NWFP Government, local Taliban ratify peace truce

The NWFP Government and local Taliban have agreed to a peace agreement under which Shariah laws will be promulgated in Swat and Malakand districts and security forces will be withdrawn, while the Taliban have agreed to acknowledge the writ of the government.

Peshawar, May 21 : The NWFP Government and local Taliban have agreed to a peace agreement under which "Shariah" laws will be promulgated in Swat and Malakand districts and security forces will be withdrawn, while the Taliban have agreed to acknowledge the writ of the government.

Senior Minister of NWFP Bashir Ahmad Bilour said government and local Taliban have agreed on 15 points. Under the agreement, there would be a ban on display of weapons and training camps of militants would be eliminated.

Talking to media, Bilour said Imam Dherai would be turned into an Islamic university and local Taliban would fully corporate with government.

Responding to a question, he said there would be a gradual withdrawal of security forces and Islamic laws would be enforced in Swat and Malakand.

He said government would facilitate drive against contagious diseases and private militias would not be tolerated.

He said Taliban would not attack Music and Barber shops and only licensed FM radio stations would be allowed to operate. Senior Minister said Taliban would denounce suicide attacks.

Local Taliban leader expressed satisfaction over the agreement, The News reported.

ANI