ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the military had cleared Malakand Division and the returning process of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes would start from July 13. The government has achieved the targets of military operation and the return of IDPs will start on July 13. However, the military will stay in Swat to counter militancy, as still black sheep could be present in the area. Military Cantonments will be constructed in Malakand Division. The military will also take action against those who will challenge the writ of the government, he told a news conference here on Thursday at PM House. The Prime Minister said that 1,700 militants were killed during the military operation while 'our Army officers and Jawans were also martyred. He said that 'the whole nation and the government pay tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. We will always remember their sacrifices and construct monuments in these areas for paying tributes, he said. He appreciated the nation, political leaderships, Opposition and media for supporting the military operation against the militants. 'I also pay tributes to the IDPs who sacrificed their today for the future of Pakistan and left their homes. We would award 'Hilal-e-Essar to IDPs on their sacrifices, Gilani said. When asked whether the military operation would continue as the top leadership of the militants was still at large, the Prime Minister said the operation was the prerogative of the provincial government and they could call in the Army wherever and whenever required. He asked the provincial government to remain firm against the militants and assured federal governments complete support in this regard. Prime Minister Gilani also appealed to the nation to recognise black sheep among them and expel them from their ranks. About IDPs return Gilani said the Special Support Group (SSG) would chalk out a plan for their safe return to their homes from July 13. Answering a question, the Prime Minister said that the issue of security would be completely resolved and the infrastructure of electricity, gas, telephones and banks had already been restored. The Prime Minister said that Malakand, Swat and Dir had been damaged due to the military operation. In this regard, he said that assessment would be made for reconstruction of those areas. He also mentioned setting up an institution headed by the Prime Minister and with others including chief ministers, governors, Inspector General Police, and representatives of provincial and federal governments, which would give an assessment report about the losses incurred in the wake of military operation. He said the SSG was independent in giving proposals for providing relief to the host families who accommodated the IDPs in their homes. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani further said that a Special Commission had been constituted to estimate the losses in the affected areas. He said that the governments 3-Rs- Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction policy- was in hand for the uplift of displaced people and to mitigate their sufferings with sincerity. He said the militants presented a distorted version of Islam and asked the media to continue working positively and try not to portray the militants as heroes. Gilani said the government would follow the home-grown policy as it was fighting its own war and termed the drone attacks as counter-productive. We dont need to convince them, but if they really want to help us, they should stop the drone attacks and this technology should be provided to Pakistan.