A new elite force would be raised for the maintenance of law and order in Swat district, while talks between the NWFP government and Taliban are expected to start from Sunday (tomorrow), Malakand Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Tanvirul Haq Sipra said on Friday. Sipra told a press conference at the Mingora Press Club that after the creation of the force, police would not need the help of the Frontier Constabulary or other departments. He said that around 1,500 personnel would be deployed at seven centres to be set up in Swat.
He said that the number of police stations in Swat is being increased from nine to 22, and the number of policemen, which at present stands at 1,500, will also be doubled.
He said that Swat would be divided into rural and settled area administrations, with each area headed by an officer of the senior superintendent of police (SSP) rank. The number of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) is also being increased from four to 10, with each DSP responsible for two police stations.
Meeting: Meanwhile, the NWFP government and Swat Taliban are expected to hold talks on Sunday.
Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said that senior provincial minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour and Minister for Forests Wajid Ali Khan have contacted the Swat Taliban leadership for the meeting.