PESHAWAR - The central government's decision of halting military operation in tribal areas and parts of NWFP has received a mixed reaction from Taliban militants as some terming it a step in the right direction while some wanted a complete halt to military action. "It is a positive step on the part of government," termed by the TTP Spokesman, Maulvi Omar, in a telephonic talk with TheNation from unknown place, also claiming that Taliban had never indulged in attacking government installations and security forces. "We only defend ourselves. Clashes in Bajaur had erupted when security forces had attempted to occupy Loyaeesome area," he added. To a question, Maulvi Omar said that military action added to the miseries and hardships of civilians' population and as a result large number of people were killed and became homeless. Denouncing destruction of girl schools and other educational institutions, he said, "Absolutely it could be considered a wrong act." "Education is being impart to children in these places. It should not be destroyed," he said, however, described that Taliban in Swat are justifying the destruction of schools as according them, these places were used by security forces. On the other hand, Muslim Khan, Spokesman of Tehrik Taliban Swat rejected the government's cease-fire during Ramazan and said, "We demand complete halt to military action against Taliban." He claimed that they are striving for enforcement of Islamic system in the area, and in this respect, they had already signed an agreement with the NWFP government, which must be honoured. Agencies add: Taliban will continue attacks during Ramazan, rejecting a government announcement it would halt military actions in the northwest, a Taliban spokesperson said on sunday. "It's a joke. It isn't a matter of holy or unholy. All months are holy. If they want to end fighting, it should be permanent," Muslim Khan, Taliban spokesman in the Swat Valley, said. "We want enforcement of Sharia laws and will continue our struggle. We haven't got instructions from our top leadership to stop fighting. If they do (order a halt) then we certainly will." Meanwhile, many displaced people have moved to temporary shelters set up in various towns outside the region, where despite government and foreign aid agencies' efforts, shortages of food and medical supplies and poor sanitation are common complaints. The United States and other allies have been concerned the government led by PPP might be less committed to the unpopular war against militancy after the resignation of firm ally Musharraf. The military is engaged in fighting with militants in the Bajaur area on the Afghan border, across mountains to the west of Swat, and in the South Waziristan region. In Swat and Bajaur especially, jet fighters and helicopter gunships are being used to strike militant positions. Several hundred people, mostly militants, have been killed in recent clashes, government officials say. A Pakistani private television channel broadcast footage on Sunday of what militants said were 38 security force members abducted by them from Swat in late July. The footage showed the hostages' legs were chained while men carrying AK-47 rifles and wearing black scarves over their faces guarded them. The channel said the militants shot dead another hostage a few days ago in response to the killing of their commander, threatening to kill others if the military operation continued and their comrades were not freed. Meanwhile, Taliban militants on Sunday freed six soldiers. The rebels, who have been holding 30 paramilitary troops for a month in the Bajaur tribal district which has seen heavy fighting with government forces in recent weeks, drew lots to free six of them, a spokesman said. "We have released them respecting the holy month of Ramazan," Maulvi Omar said. The freed soldiers have been handed over to tribal elders, Omar said by telephone.