Security forces and militants on Friday clashed in Qamber area of Swat Valley, which resulted in the death of a recently released militant and injuries to a soldier.The gunfight took place when militants allegedly fired at a convoy of the security forces, which was taking ration to Qamber town on the outskirts of Mingora. This was the third clash between the militants and forces after the peace deal between the NWFP government and the TNSM. However, officials of the local administration and Maulana Sufi Muhammad, head of TNSM, succeeded in keeping the peace accord intact.
Locals said the convoy of the security forces, mainly consisting of freight vehicles, came under fire from the militants at Qamber. The forces returned the fire, which led to a gunfight that continued for quite sometime. During the exchange of fire, a militant commander identified as Hayat Khan of Qamber was killed. Hayat Khan was freed some days ago when the government released the Taliban prisoners under the peace agreement. A soldier, Saifur Rahman, suffered injuries in the exchange of fire.
The main Mingora-Peshawar road remained blocked for hours due to the incident, causing problems to the people. Malakand Commissioner Syed Muhammad Javed and District Coordination Officer Khushal Khan rushed to the area to bring the situation under control. They succeeded in effecting a ceasefire between the two sides. However, sources said the militants took away eight vehicles of ration.
Meanwhile, Maulana Sufi Muhammad addressing the Friday congregation at the Mamdherai seminary, the former headquarters of Maulana Fazlullah, Sufi Muhammad urged people to play their role in the restoration of peace. In another incident, a cop identified as Zahid was picked up by militants from the busy Banr School Chowk. However, he was later released.