Militants seized a town in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday and hoisted their flags over buildings after security forces surrendered, AFP quoted police and residents as saying. The town of Madyan was the third to come under the effective control of followers of firebrand religious leader Maulana Fazlullah, who is demanding Sharia law in the erstwhile tourist resort of Swat. “They seized Madyan town today, they have already overrun Matta and Khawazakhela towns” in their earlier push, a police official said on condition of anonymity.Police surrender:
| Police gave up their weapons, vehicles and control of local police stations, the officer and local residents said. |
Helicopter gunships: A Swat police official said authorities had sent helicopter gunships to target militant positions in the area. Residents said the militants were in complete control of Madyan and were patrolling the town, AFP reported. Witnesses said FazlullahÂ’s supporters hoisted their flags over government buildings and guarded important sites, such as banks and bazaars. The militants held negotiations with police and security forces, which agreed to withdraw, police and witnesses said. Police also retreated from two more police posts in nearby villages.
The government moved 2,500 troops into Swat last week to counter Fazlullah, who is also known as “Mullah Radio” for his speeches on his private radio station, in which he calls for a holy war on authorities.
NWFP Home Minister Shahzada Gustasap confirmed the militantsÂ’ advance against the security forces and the capture of a Frontier Constabulary camp, staff reporter Saleem Athar adds. Gustasap said that security forces were observing the militantsÂ’ movements in the area and were awaiting the results of the local eldersÂ’ peace jirga. The home minister, however, warned that the government would maintain its writ at all cost and would use force if the ongoing talks between local elders and militants remained fruitless. Meanwhile, hundreds of locals continued moving out to safer places.