'Taliban consolidating in Malakand again'

Peshawar, Aug.16 (ANI): Even as thousands of refugees have started returning to their home in the Swat and Malakand divisions after the Pakistan Army declared the region free from Taliban control, local residents claimed the extremists are consolidating their position once again.

"The Taliban are strengthening their position in some parts of Malakand. They beheaded two plainclothesmen who visited Palai three days ago," Muhammad Ayaz, a resident of the area said.

Ayaz said the Taliban has also kidnapped Zormandai Union Council Nazim Sher Muhammad on Wednesday and were demanding 5 million rupees as ransom.

Another resident, Muhammad Fayyaz, said government officials and security personnel have stopped visiting their home situated in the region due to fears of being abducted by the militants.

The Daily Times quoted Fayyaz, as claiming that the Taliban had taken refuge in Palai area during the military operation in Swat and Buner districts. (ANI)