MINGORA, April 22 The terrorised people of Mingora were bewildered on Wednesday to see the Taliban discontinue patrols, dismantling roadblocks and withdraw to their previous positions.

A spokesman said that the chief of the Swat Taliban 'Maulana' Fazlullah, had ordered his men to abandon several checkposts on main roads. 

On the other hand, Taliban have intensified their activities in other Swat areas, including Kabal, Charbagh, Matta, and Qamber tehsils. 

Meanwhile, NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain conducted a brief tour of the Swat valley after a meeting with TNSM leaders, including Sufi Mohammad, in Amandara.

He was accompanied by ANP's provincial chief Afrasiab Khattak and provincial law secretary Fayaz Turo. They also held a meeting with GOC Maj-Gen Ijaz Hussain and officials of the civilian administration in Saidu Sharif. 

NIZAM-I-SALAT
Also on Wednesday, Qazi Mohammad Rehman announced the enforcement of the Nizam-i-Salat in Barikot tehsil.

The order, made public through loudspeakers by the bazaar association, directed all businessmen to keep their

shops and markets closed for Zohr and Asr prayers. Violators were warned of stern action.

Two people were shot dead in Sarbada, Matta tehsil. A constable of Kalam police station was kidnapped from Bahrain. No group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.