7 militants, 2 pro-govt tribesmen killed in Pak violence

Seven militants and two  members of anti-Taliban 'peace committees' were killed in violence today in Pakistan's northwest and the restive tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.

Four militants were killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Charbagh area of Swat valley, the army-run media centre said. The militants were involved in several clashes with troops and the killing of local residents.

Weapons and communication equipment were recovered from the site of the gun battle.

A member of a pro-government 'peace committee' and three militants were killed in a clash in the Baizai area of Mohmand tribal region, officials were quoted as saying by TV news channels.

Two members of the peace committee were also injured in the gun battle that was sparked by an attack by the militants.

Unidentified militants also gunned down tribal leader Malik Abdul Qayyum, who was a member of a peace committee, in the Bajaur tribal region.

Militants also blew up a government-run boys' primary school in Landi Kotal sub-division of the restive Khyber Agency early this morning.

The school was razed by two powerful bombs that went off almost simultaneously, though there were no casualties. Local officials blamed the attack on the banned Lashkar-e-Islam militant group.

Militants have destroyed over 15 state-run schools in Khyber Agency in the recent weeks.