BATKHELA, Oct 30: Operation commander of Thana and Barikot Col Farukh Sultan said on Wednesday that they had got information about the presence of a handful of terrorists in some areas of Palai and Buner, asking people to remain vigilant to thwart their activities.

He was addressing an open kutchery at degree college, Thana, on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner, Malakand, Perhaizgar Khan, AC Batkhela Asad Khan, AC Dargai Fayaz Khan, sobedar major Malakand Levies Gul Roze Khan, DHO Dr Mohammad Ali and other government officials were also present on the occasion.

Col Sultan said that suspected militants who had surrendered to the government would not be treated like terrorists rather they would be allowed to meet their relatives once a month in jails. He said that their cases would also be expedited.

He said that militancy had decreased in Malakand division after active cooperation of local people to the security forces and district authorities.

He said that the region had been cleared of militants and writ of government established. On this occasion, local elders demanded of the government to upgrade the girls` middle school to high school level, shift Levies post from hospital premises to a suitable place, increase the strength of Levies force, end power loadshedding and curb the menace of drugs.

The DC assured the elders of the area that all of their problems would be resolved soon and asked them to support the law-enforcement agencies in maintenance of peace.