LAKKI MARWAT: Elders from Domel town of Bannu and North Waziristan district have assured the police of full cooperation to purge the region of terrorists.

The assurance was given at separate meetings on Monday.

Regional Police Officer, Bannu, Sajjad Khan, district police officer Saleem Abbas Kulachi and other officials were in attendance.

Elders from Kamchashmi and Bargantu areas praised the police for launching a successful search and strike operation against miscreants in the Bannu`s Domel town.

They said they would back police and other law enforcement agencies in such actions to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

They noted that integrated efforts by elders, tribesmen and law enforcement agencies would help thwart nefarious plans of anti-peace elements and make actions against miscreants a success.

The regional police chief said the police were taking all possible steps to protect people`s lives and properties and maintain peace in the region.

He declared a strong and close coordination between police officials and elders inevitable for establishment of peace. He directed the police officials to keep in touch with tribal chiefs and elders to establish peace in the region.

BOOK FAIR: A two-day book fair featuring various events, including study circle corners, career counselling and book exhibition for youth and students, began in Bannu on Monday.

Deputy commissioner Mohammad Fahim inaugurated the fair at a ceremony held in the Auditorium Hall.

Assistant commissioner Allah Nawaz Khan and other officials were also present.

The district administration and a local students` forum organised the event to acquaint youth with the usefulness of books, their rights and improve book reading.

Booksellers from various cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar, set up stalls at the festival.

A large number of people, mostly school, college and university students, visited the stalls and bought books of their choice on a50 per cent discount.

The deputy commissioner also visited the book stalls and purchased a few books of his choice.

He said students should develop reading habits as an integral part of their life.