Pakistan’s interior minister (caretaker) Hamid Nawaz informed media on Monday (Jan 28) that Islamic militants have taken over 250 schoolchildren hostage in Pakistan's northwestern district of Karak. Armed militants reportedly stormed into the school at Domail village, equipped with rocket launchers and grenades, following a clash with security personnel in the Battal Khel area of Bannu district. Police claimed have chased the militants to neighboring Karak district after foiling their attempt to abduct a government health official and his driver.
However, successful negotiations from tribal leaders resulted in the safe release of almost 200 students, but militants are still holding many of them, including teachers as hostage. The holed-up militants are now demanding safe passage with five schoolchildren and some local residents, assuring authorities that the hostages would be released once they crossed into the lawless tribal areas.
Latest reports say that negotiations are on for the safe release of remaining hostages and the government
perhaps, is considering safe passage for militants too, certainly avoiding Beslan (Russia: Sept 1, 2004 school siege) type of bloodshed.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
No comments:
Post a Comment