(PTI) Pakistani security forces today attacked with artillery Taliban positions in the curfew-bound northwestern Hangu district injuring at least 12 people, days after 16 paramilitary personnel were killed by the militants in the troubled region. The army targeted militant positions in Zargari and nearby villages in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) leading to injuries to 12 people while 20 houses were damaged.A key road linking the district to other parts of NWFP was closed to all traffic, TV channels reported.
An indefinite curfew was imposed in Hangu town due to the threat of Taliban attacks, district police chief Mohammed Idris said. People have begun leaving the region due to fears of fighting between the security forces and the Taliban.
However, elected representatives from Hangu and a tribal jirga or council appealed to the government to stop military operations so that they could hold peace talks with the Taliban. The NWFP government has assured the jirga of support for talks with the militants aimed at ending violence.
Hangu district has witnessed heightened tension since seven militants were arrested during a sweep by security forces last week. The Taliban besieged a police station in Doaba village to demand the release of the arrested militants but withdrew after the army was deployed in the area.
The Taliban took 29 government officials and security personnel hostage before leaving Doaba. On Saturday, the militants gunned down 16 Frontier Constabulary personnel after ambushing their convoy in the Zargari area.
Sporadic incidents of violence have also been reported from various parts of the NWFP.