Around 200 policemen went on unauthorised leave to evade duty during last year's operation in the area against pro-Taliban militants led by radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah.

The police chief in Mingora, the main city in Swat district of the North West Frontier Province, has sacked the police personnel for showing "lack of courage".

"Prolonged absence from duty is another reason for their dismissal," district police chief Waqif Khan told the Daily Times.

Khan said around 200 policemen were on "French leave" or unauthorised leave and another 200 were absent from the police stations in Mingora.

"The relieved policemen were served several notices but they did not show up. Consequently they were terminated," a source said.

"We can't work on a low salary and that too when our life is at stake," one of the dismissed policemen said.

Policemen have been the target of vicious attacks by militants after security forces launched an operation against the rebels in October last year.