By Muhabbat Shah
Official sources said the security forces carried out a search operation in Ranra Manzai, in Maidan area of Dir Lower and arrested 13 militants including a commander identified as Abdul Qayyum.
A total of 35 militants were produced before local reporters. They also included a banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan commander in Dir Lower, Qari Shahid, who was arrested a week earlier.
During search operation the security forces found a cave that used to serve as militants’ hideout. An official said that 14 rocket launchers, 18 hand-grenades, six rifles, two pistols, 3,160 rounds, a wireless set, 100 kilograms of explosives and 20 teargas shells were also recovered from them.
Besides arms and explosives, the security forces also seized items stolen from schools and a telephone exchange. Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Saeed told the media that the writ of the state had been restored in Dir Lower in accordance with the wishes of the residents.
He added that schools, markets and bazaars were open, as normalcy had returned to the district. The army official said in certain villages search and clearance operations were in progress to eradicate militancy.