ISLAMABAD, 12 November 2004 — Five soldiers and two tribesmen were wounded in clashes between the army and militants in different parts of South Waziristan yesterday as authorities decided to release some 250 tribesmen and Afghan refugees arrested during the past few months in Wana and Shakai areas on suspicion they were involved in militant activities.
Official sources said orders for the release of 10 prisoners were issued on Wednesday. A Mahsud tribesman and an Ahmadzai Wazir elder were also freed while eight Afghan refugees held in the Dera Ismail Khan prison would be released today.
Sources said the government was close to reaching a peace agreement with a group of militants loyal to Nek Muhammad.
“We will sign an agreement with tribesmen loyal to Nek Muhammad within two days,” said retired Col. Inamullah Wazir, who led the government side in talks.
He said NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah was involved in the negotiations.
Tribal sources said talks were being held with militant leaders Maulvi Muhammad Abbas, Muhammad Javed, Maulvi Abdul Aziz, Haji Muhammad Umar and Muhammad Sharif at a secret location.
