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KHAR: Tribesmen gather around dead bodies during a funeral ceremony in Khar, the main town in Bajaur tribal agency, after they were killed during an army operation. |
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KHAR: Pak army gunship helicopters during an action against suspected militants targeted a seminary in ChIngai area of Khar, headquarter of Bajaur agency killing a number of suspects including Naib Amir of outlawed organization, Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shahriat-e-Muhammadi, Maulana Muhammad Liaqat.
According to eyewitnesses and private TV channel, about 83 persons were killed in the pre-dawn strike.
Meanwhile, military spokesman of the Pakistan army, Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan said that gunship helicopters carried out air strike against the terrorists training facility holding 70 to 80 militants at 5 a.m. on Monday destroying it completely. He; however, said he was unable to give preliminary estimate of the casualties taken place in the attack.
Shaukat Sultan said that intelligence report suggested presence of some suspected persons in the area some days back and they were under strict vigil. "We received information that terrorists are using the seminary as a terrorists training facility," he added.
The DG ISPR said that gunship helicopters fired four to five rockets, which hit the Madrassah. He denied any civilian casualty in the air strike.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said that majority of the killed were children who were present in the seminary during air raid.
Three persons with severe injuries were brought to a local hospital; said Dr. Imran.
Meanwhile, senior provincial minister Sirajul Haq and MNA of the area Haroonur Rasheed attended the funeral of some victims of the air strike and announced resignation as a protest to the incident.
Bajaur air strike conducted by US: Qazi
MMA president and Amir Jamaat-e-Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, lambasting Bajaur seminary air strike in which about 83 persons were killed on Monday said the air strike was carried out by the US helicopter gunships instead of Pak army.
He termed the incident as a barbaric action.
Qazi said the air strike was aimed at sabotaging the peace agreement struck between the government and the tribal elders. "US has committed such activities in past as well," Qazi added.
Responding to a question, the MMA president said that students aging from 10 to 25 years had been studying in the seminary and there was no terrorist among them. He said these people were preparing for keeping fast of Shawal when they came under attack.
Meanwhile, chairman PML (N) Raja Zafarul Haq termed the incident as penitent saying such incidents have been taking place for quite sometime in the country that are inflicting blows to the national sovereignty.
He said if the foreign forces in Afghanistan have no trust in Pakistan, they should directly talk to Pakistan and the matter should be resolved once and for all. He said whenever the foreign forces want they conduct activities on Pakistani soil and put pressure on the authorities of not doing enough against the religious elements.
Raja Zafarul Haq said all such activities are affecting the innocent citizens adding these practices should be checked.
Responding to a question, he said the resignation of senior provincial minister NWFP, Sirajul Haq would be fruitful for any movement of the opposition parties.
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