KHAR: Political administration of Bajaur Agency on Friday arrested 49 tribesmen and seized 12 vehicles belonging to Salarzai tribe under collective responsibility section of the Frontier Crimes Regulation.

Sources said the administration launched the crackdown after Taliban intercepted personnel of the Bajaur Scouts and snatched weapons from them when they were heading for border to assume duty. However, on the intervention of the local elders, Taliban released the personnel and returned vehicles to Bajaur Scouts but did not allow them to move to the border area.

Talking to journalists, Assistant Political Agent Iqbal Khattak said the crackdown would continue till the recovery of the weapons. Meanwhile, the political administration beefed up security at sensitive places in the agency.