MANSEHRA: An alleged outlaw and his niece were killed in exchange of fire with police in Danna area here on Tuesday.

`An outlaw, wanted in a case related to killing of seven people, and his niece providing ammunition to outlaws were killed during an encounter with police,` said district police officer, Mansehra, Khuram Rashid while talking to media persons.

He said that a police party of about 100 personnel, led by two DSPs of Mansehra and Oghi, carried out the operation at Danna hilltop early in the morning.

`The outlaws opened fire on the police party which in retaliation also used rocket propelled grenades,` Mr Rashid said and claimed that one Imtiaz, wanted in 21 crime cases, and his niece Farzana who was supplying arms and ammunition to outlaws, were killed in the operation.

The DPO said that seven to eight outlaws exchanged fire with the police during the encounter. He said that Imtiaz was wanted in the murder of seven people, including one killed on resistance during a robbery attempt. He claimed that the suspect was also wanted in other cases, including kidnapping for ransom. He said that the fire exchange lasted for three hours.

DIG Akhtar Hayat Gandapur told reporters that the police wanted to clear the region of outlaws and it was why such operations were being carried out. He said that those challenging writ of the state would be taken to task. He said that Danna area was being cleared of outlaws so that people could travel safely through the mountainous areas, particularly in Tanawal.