LANDI KOTAL: The newlyappointed Political Agent of Khyber Agency, Shahab Ali Shah, paid a rare visit to Bara, the first by a political agent (PA) in three years, where he was briefed about steps taken to restore peace in the area and reopening of some roads.

Sources told Dawn that the PA held a meeting with Mehsud Scouts Commandant Col Naeem Sarwar where MNA Nasir Khan, Senator Haji Khan and notables of the area were also present.

The commandant apprised the participants of the security situation in Bara and the steps taken by the security forces to ensure the opening of some important roads connecting Bara with Peshawar and Jamrud tehsil.

The sources said that reopening of Shah KasNawgazi Baba road, which connects Bara with Jamrud, was discussed in a meeting held between the area notables and security officials, while the PA had left Fort Salop by that time.

It was also discussed in the meeting that FC personnel would be replaced with Khasadar force at the Shalobar checkpost, the sources said. Reopening of Bara bazaar and establishment of some new security checkposts were also discussed.

Sources said that local elders also demanded the release of about 15 suspects, who were in the custody of security forces since long. The outgoing political agent Mutahir Zeb had not visited Bara during his three-year tenure.

40 ARRESTED: Security forces arrested 40 suspects and seized three explosive devices during a search operation in Jamrud on wednesday.

The operation continued for almost 12 hours during which residents of the area were restricted to their houses. -Correspondent