KALAYA, Aug 1: Seven militants and a security man were killed in a clash in Dabori area of Orakzai tribal region on Wednesday, sources said.

They said that militants attacked an advance party of security forces at Kago Qamar Darra locality of Dabori at 8am. The security personnel, backed by tanks and artillery, were advancing to Mamozai to conduct a search operation there.

The clash between militants and security forces continued for more than two hours and both the sides used heavy weapons including rockets and missiles against each other.

Officials said that solider Shehzad was killed and soldier Sabir received injuries in the attack. The injured soldier was taken to agency headquarters hospital in Kalaya. They said that seven militants were killed and one of their vehicles was destroyed in the clash.

In Kurram Agency, three security personnel were injured in a blast inside a compound of political administration in Sadda on Wednesday evening.

Officials said that an explosive device was planted in Tehsil Office of the political administration. Three Levies personnel received injuries when the device went off, they added. The in-jured security men were rushed to a 10cal hospital.

In Lower Dir district, an educationist, who had led an armed lashkar against militants, was shot dead by unidentified persons when he was going to his school at Lagharai Thal area on Wednesday morning.

Sources said that Ghulam Syed, vice principal of Government Higher Secondary School Bagh Maidan, was shot dead on the first day of reopening of schools after one month summer vacations.

They said that Ghulam Syed had no enmity with anyone, however, he playedactive role in organising youth of the area against militants. He was also a member of the local peace committee.

A large number of teachers, students and area people attended his funeral prayers and demanded of the government to provide security to teachers.

A resident of Maidan told Dawn that militants were active again in the area.

He said that a pro-government local person identified as Wakil Khan was also killed by unidentified attackers three days ago at Lajbok Darra. He said that both the incidents were targeted killings.