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More tribesmen take up arms against Taliban
Two more tribes in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) formed militias on Monday to take action against Taliban and several others assured the government of their support in its efforts to restore peace in the Tribal Areas. Hundreds of armed men from Mamoond tribe of the Bajaur Agency burned the houses of several Taliban including a commander. Elders of the tribe said their men would continue action against the Taliban until peace was restored in the agency. Officials in Khyber Agency told APP that 30 elders representing Shinwari tribes participated in a jirga on Monday and decided to raise a 300-strong 'Qaumi Lashkar' (national militia) against the Taliban. But elder Haji Gulab Shinwari denied an armed group had been formed, insisting a committee would 'handle law and order'. APP said the jirga made it compulsory for each tribe to contribute at least 10 volunteers to the militia. A jirga of the Khyber Zakha Khel tribe also decided to set up a militia against Taliban. "For now, a 20-member committee will monitor the situation and take timely decisions," said Shakir Khan Afridi, an elder. Local volunteers had earlier helped restore the government's writ in the Salarzai, Otmankhel, Barang and Khar areas. In Darra Adam Khel, the security forces said they had gained complete control of the Indus Highway and cleared the Kohat tunnel. An ISPR statement said 'militants' had been evicted from their bunkers and hideouts along the road. Troops also carried out a search operation in the Tor Chappar area "with the support of local population", the press release said. Posted by: Fred 2008-10-07 |
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