NWFP government, TTP announce permanent ceasefire in Swat

Peshawar, Feb.22 (ANI): The Tehrik-e- Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) government have reportedly reached an accord for a permanent ceasefire in the Swat Valley.

The NWFP government has announced re-opening of all school and educational institutions, and has asked all displaced people to return to the valley after Maulana Fazlullah agreed to accept the Nizam-e-Adl Regulations.

Confirming the report, Commissioner of the Malakand Division, Syed Muhammad Javed said: "Yes, both sides will observe a permanent ceasefire."

He said all the schools would be re-opened from Monday, and girl students will also be allowed to appear in the examinations in 'proper purdah'.

Fazlullah, speaking on his private FM radio channel, said that he would discontinue fighting in the valley but would not surrender to the security.

He, however, said that the war against the United States would continue until it was defeated.

"War in Afghanistan continues and so does our 'Jihad'. A 'Jihad' against those who had handed over 600 'Mujahideen' to the US," Fazlullah's voice screeched over radio-sets across the valley.

He termed Sufi Mohammad's efforts of implementing Islamic law in the region as a 'great achievement'.

"Now we will honour the Shariah under any circumstances. It's also the responsibility of Ulema to work for it," Fazlullah added.

Meanwhile, the administration has announced a compensation of 300,000 rupees and 100,000 rupees to the family members of people killed and injured during the long violence in the region, The News reports. (ANI)