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Swat militants enemies of Pakistan: minister
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman on Tuesday said that public consensus against violence in Swat served as a boost to the government efforts for the restoration of law and order in the region.Talking to a private TV channel, she said: "The government action to control militancy in Swat is fully backed by the public and this reflects complete rejection of the regressive policies and agenda of militants." The minister said the Swat militants had been ideologically alienated and were considered enemies of Pakistan. Sherry said the government had only decided to deploy the Army and the paramilitary troops at educational institutions in Mingora to fight the Taliban attack on schools. She said that they preferred dialogue over force. But when the writ of the government was challenged, the government had to act, she said. Sherry said they were committed to reopening as many schools as they could after the winter break. Replying to a question on the statement of the prime minister regarding a new strategy to address violence in Swat, she said the government was keen to explore all options to ensure peace, restore law and order and restrict collateral damage in the region. "We cannot leave our people at the mercy of the terrorists. At the same time, it is important to pursue a strategy that incorporates political and social measures to build the architecture of sustainable peace in Swat and the tribal areas," she said. Posted by: Fred 2009-02-04 |
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