SHANGLA: All arrangements have been finalised for smooth conduct of the census exercise in Shangla district.

Announcing the details here on Tuesday, district police officer Rahatullah said that each team would consist of two policemen, two army personnel and two census officials. He said 165 vehicles would be used in the exercise, adding foolproof security would provided to the census officials.

The DPO said that the Karakoram police force and vehicles should alsobe provided to Shangla district.

He claimed that complete peace had been established in the district, which was evident from the fact that a large number of both the national and foreign tourists were visiting the district.

Rahatullah said four more police stations were being constructed in Shangla under the chiefminister`s programme, which would help strengthen the force in the district.

The DPO asked the people to cooperate with the police in maintaining peace in the district.

Meanwhile, the police claimed to have arrested over 1,500 suspects and recovered arms, ammunition and explosives from them during the search and strike operation conduced in last few days under the National Action Plan.

The district police office issued a statement on Tuesday, saying that of those arrested were 17 proclaimed offenders.

It said the search and strike operations were conducted on the directives of regional police officer Malakand division.

The statement said the seizure included five Kalashnikovs, 36 pistols, six rifles, five shotguns, 1,250 cartridges of different bores, two kilogramme explosives, 12,250 fire crackers and 11 1(ilogramme of hashish.