KOHAT, Feb 3 Security forces on Tuesday launched ground operation in different parts along the tribal areas simultaneously to stop rocket attacks on the cantonment region.

Officials said artillery fire also continued on suspected hideouts of militants in Darra Adamkhel and the Bezote area of the Orakzai Agency to make the border areas safe. The ground forces conducted operation in Taulanj and mountains of Jawaki along the frontier region of Shin Dandh. Army troops and police took part in the operation, which was continuing when this report was filed.

Police said the operation would continue till militants vacated the area or were apprehended. There were no reports of casualties or any arrests.

HANGU JIRGA The Hangu peace jirga could not resume talks on Tuesday because half of its members proceeded to the Kurram Agency to join efforts of another jirga engaged in the release of men captured by rival tribes following fresh unrest there.

The people were captured by rival groups from the Thall-Parachinar highway following the murder of a renowned cleric, Syed Askar Ali Shah, near Thall last week.

Officials are now waiting for the return of the Hangu jirga members to fix a new date for talks with mutual consent.

The jirga comprises the same members who had already failed at its four meetings to formally initiate peace talks for brokering a permanent peace agreement. The case of 2006 riots has also been pending before the jirga. The riots had claimed more than 55 lives and had caused losses to the tune of Rs5 billion to the business community and the government.

RECONCILIATORY JIRGA The commissioner of the Kohat division has announced to constitute a high-powered reconciliatory jirga of stakeholders from Fata and Kohat to identify and solve disputes.

Commissioner Umer Khan Afridi, presiding over a meeting of representatives of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and influential people from the Kohat district, said the jirga would be given legal cover and would also include government representatives.

He observed that without participation of tribal elders and solving disputes of different nature between rival groups, peace would always remain a far cry in the region, therefore such a platform was the need of the hour.

He elaborated that the jirga would become immediately active in case of any clash between rival sects or groups and would ensure peace at all costs.

The jirga will comprise elders from Darra Adamkhel, Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai Agency and the Kurram Agency. The commissioner asked the participants to discuss the matter privately and submit suggestions about the criteria of inducting the members and working of the jirga.

Kohat region Deputy Inspector General of Police Qudratullah Marwat, who was among the participants, maintained that enemies of Pakistan had sent their agents to the region to take advantage of the already sensitive situation, but their nefarious designs would not materialise. He said foreign elements were involved in causing the Hangu conflict.