Taliban-planted land mines in Swat supplied by 'hostile foreign powers': Pak NGO

Peshawar, Jun.1 (ANI): A Pakistan based non-government organization, Sustainable Peace and Development Organisation (SPADO), has claimed that the landmines planted by the Taliban in some parts of Swat, Lower Dir and Buner were provided by some 'foreign powers'.

Addressing a seminar, SPADO's Executive Director Raza Shah Khan, said the Army believes that the landmines, particularly the anti-tank mines used by the extremists, were supplied to them by hostile foreign powers.

Khan claimed that the Pakistan Army was one of the best de-mining squads in the world, and it would start de-mining the landmines put up by the Taliban once they are rooted out from the region.

"At present, when there is an all-out war, it is difficult for the Army to completely clear the valley. But I must tell you that the Pakistan Army de-mining squad is one of the best in the world and we will take up the issue once the situation improves," The News quoted Khan, as saying.

The Taliban had planted indigenous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and land mines along the Mingora-Peshawar Road and in the city, besides other areas to stop the security forces from moving in to their strongholds.

A report prepared by the SPADO stated that at least 89 people have been killed and over 182 injured in mine, ERW and victim-activated IED blasts in Pakistan in 2007 . (ANI)