Pak deploying 2,500 troops in volatile north

Islamabad, Oct 24 (UNI) The Pakistan army is deploying 2,500 troops to Swat mountain valley in northwestern Pakistan to counter rise of Islamic insurgency in the volatile tribal region, said a military spokesperson.

''The army is sending 2,500 troops to Swat, to assist the local administration, which had requested the federal government for deployment to the area, army spokesman Maj Gen Waheed Arshad said in an interview to western news agency, reported Geo News.

He said the troops would assist the Frontier Corps in the area.

The troops are being deployed in the area to improve law and order and get rid of the followers of Fazlullah, a pro Taliban cleric who is actively spearheading the insurgency in the valley, he said.

The cleric proclaimed 'jihad' asking people to join the holy war from an illegal FM station.

According to sources the security forces have sealed all entry points of Swat valley and troops posted at all key points.

UNI