KHAR: The local administration on Wednesday claimed to have destroyed poppy crop cultivated over 992 1(anals of land in remote areas of Barang tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

Bajaur political agent Mohammad Yahya Akhunzada told media persons at his office here that the administration with the help of local elders had launched an operation against the poppy crop in Asghar and Danda areas of Barang tehsil.

He said that the operation was part of an agreement between the administration and elders of Barang tribe to destroy the poppy in return for development projects. He added that besides local people, personnel of Bajaur Levies took part in the operation that continued for several days.

Mr Akhunzada said that such action would continue till the region was completely purged of poppy.

To a question, the political agent claimed that there was no resistance from growers, but rather they were fully cooperating in the poppy eradication drive. Correspondent