The takeover of key government installations including police stations by Al Qaeda-linked militants, and the “surrender” of paramilitary soldiers in Swat district, has brought regular troops closer to action, officials said on Sunday. Militants took over two police stations on Saturday after police
“Taliban militants are directing the traffic on the road,” they added. “We should forget that police and paramilitary force will restore peace in Swat now and thinking so is like hoping against hope. The only chance the government has is asking the army to take over the responsibility from civil armed forces in the district,” a senior law-enforcing officer told Daily Times. The official said the provincial government was given a detailed briefing by law-enforcing agencies on Friday, and a request could be made to the army to take charge of the operation to restore law and order.