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Government frees seven Taliban prisoners

By Daud Khattak

PESHAWAR: The NWFP government on Saturday freed seven militants following a one-day deadlock with Taliban representatives on the release of militant detainees.

“Seven of our men were freed today (Saturday) while the remaining are expected to be released in the course of time,” Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan told Daily Times.

He said the government agreed to free six Taliban from Taimargara jail on Friday.

The Taliban had, however, wanted the release of all detainees, stalling the issue for a day.

NWFP Environment Minister Wajid Ali Khan, a key member of the government committee holding talks with the Taliban, confirmed the release of the seven men from the Taimargara jail. He said the government would review cases against the remaining Taliban detainees and free those involved in minor crimes.

Official sources said 14 more Taliban prisoners were expected to be released in the next three days. They said around 70 Taliban and their supporters were currently detained in the Taimargara jail.

A 15-point peace deal between the Swat-based Taliban and NWFP government was reached on May 21, in which the two sides agreed on the release of those Taliban detained in jails.

Talks were also held between the local administration and Taliban representatives on Thursday and Friday to discuss the release of some militants.

Separately, NWFP Senior Minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour rejected foreign reservations about peace talks with militants, saying that the provincial government would continue its efforts for the restoration of peace through talks, APP reported.

“Our own interest comes first. We are answerable to our own people and not to foreign countries,” he told reporters at a function in Hayatabad, Peshawar.

He said some elements were trying to sabotage the peace process “but we will not change our policy that aims to main order in the region”.

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