BAJAUR: Top officials of the district administration and police here on Sunday highlighted the critical role of the local community in maintaining peace, and commended the Salarzai tribe`s brave action against terrorists on Saturday, describing it as a source ofpridefor the entire district.

According to a press statement, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shahid Ali Khan and DPO Waqas Rafique made these remarks during a visit to the Dangool police post, which had been attacked by terrorists the previous day.

Speaking to a group of elders from the Salarzai tribe, they commended the local community for effectively foiling the attack. Under the leadership of the chief of the Salarzai tribe, Shahabuddin Khan, residents quickly confronted the attackers, detained one terrorist, and managed the situation impressively, though two locals were injured in the incident.

The visiting of ficials were informed that the attacked post was a joint police and FC post located in the Dangool area, about 8 kilometres from Pashat town, the main locality of Salarzai tehsil and the native area of Shahabuddin Khan. Both the DC and DPO highly appreciated the local residents for their bravery and courage in countering the terrorist attack.

The officials were informed that since 2007, numerous elders, including several senior and notable figures, had been 1(illed by terrorists. However, the residents of Salarzai tehsil had never surrendered and had remained steadfast against the enemies of peace and progress.

Both officials also visited the district headquarters hospital in Khar to enquire about the health of Malik Abdur Raheem and his son, Abid Khan, who had been wounded while bravely confronting the terrorists during the attack on the police post, the statement added.