KHAR, Nov 2: Tribal elders and leaders of various political and religious parties in Bajaur Agency on Saturday condemned the US drone strike, which killed Pakistani Taliban leader Hakeemullah Mehsud, and urged the government and Taliban leadership to continue with the peace process in the country.

Talking to reporters here, elders of Mamond tribe Malik Dilawar Khan and Malik Abdul Wahab Khan, elders of Salarzai tribe Malik Habib Khan and Haji Tariq Khan, former Senator and All Bajaur Political Parties Alliance president Maulana Abdur Rasheed, PML-N leader Dr Mohammad Gul Peachawal, Haji Sultan Khan of PTI and Allama Abdul Hameed were unanimous in voicing concern over the recent drone attack.

They said drone strikes by the US were a violation of Pakistan`s sovereignty and territorial integrity and that the people, including residents of tribal region, had always opposed them for killing innocent civilians and increasing militancy in the region.

The elders and political leaders said increase in drone strikes in the tribal areas was part of conspiracy to sabotage the government`s peace talks with militants.

They said the recent US drone strike had greatly dis-appointed tribesmen, who had pinned high hopes in the peace process.

The elders and political leaders supported peace dialogue and urged the government to continue with its efforts to engage the Taliban for talks.

They also demanded that the Taliban leadership positively respond to the government`s talks offer to foil the bids for sabotaging peace process in the region.

Maulana Abdur Rasheed said the US didn`t want peace and prosperity in the tribal areas and therefore, it had always sabotaged the peace process there.

Allama Abdul Hameed said peace talks between the government and militants were the need of the hour and tribesmen requested both the parties to begin meaningful talks for peace in the country.

Meanwhile, the administration of Bajaur Agency on Saturday enhanced security checks across the agency on the directives of Fata Secretariat to prevent militant attacks.

An official of the administration said additional levies personnel had been deployed at sensitive places and commercial centres across the agency, while the checking of motorists at local security posts had also been increased.