16 militants released as good-will gesture to carry forward peace efforts in Swat: Official

MINGORA March 20  :- At least 16 suspected militants were released here Friday morning by the security forces and handed over to the local peace committee as per the spirit of the Swat peace accord, which will herald an era of peace and tranquility in the restive valley.

            Well informed official sources in district administration Swat told APP by phone that prominent among those, who were freed are Nurul Hudda who is stated to be the brother of the militants spokesman Haji Muslim Khan.

            Nurul Hudda was arrested by the security forces some six months ago during a successful raid in Mingora City.

            The released was made possible owing to long and hectic deliberations with the high ups of the local administration, security forces, members of the Tahrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) and the local peace committee.

            Moreover, the TNSM and the local peace committee members have assured the government that the freed militants will remain peaceful and not resort to any act of violence and will fully cooperate with the government in future besides cooperating with law enforcing agencies in flushing out militants and anti social elements from their respective areas for durable peace in Swat valley.

            The officials sources said the militants were freed as good will gesture on the part of the government to make the ongoing peace process carry forward and make it goal-oriented in line with the wishes and aspirations of the masses at large.

            It merits to mention that the TNSM has handed over a list of 220 suspected militants to district administration the other day seeking their release.

            The source expressed the optimism that the much awaited release of the suspected pro-tailban militants will help bolster the peace efforts in the turbulent valley.