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Kharotabad: Trendy vacation spot for the Taliban
Every four months, Taliban fighters return from the jihad in Afghanistan and rent out dozens of residences in this vicinity. Their presence is a major concern for people living in adjoining areas, especially since this is the area where the US alleges the Quetta Shura is hiding out. A few madrassas in Kharotabad also provide 'free' boarding to these militants. They move about freely, making it obvious that Kharotabad is a safe haven for the Taliban. Students from religious schools in the area are being recruited for the Afghan Taliban. They are said to be 'trained for jihad' in Afghanistan by Afghan 'commanders', before they are sent on terror missions. At least six to eight new, unarmed recruits leave Kuchlak Bazar, near Quetta, on brand new motorbikes every morning, headed towards Afghanistan. They are told to avoid traveling on main roads and instead take lesser known mountainous routes via Kuchlak to Qamar Din Karez on the Af-Pak border. They also avoid traveling in groups -- two persons per motorbike. They are also given Rs5,000, plus enough money for fuel. Most of these boys join Taliban with their parent's consent, and many others embark on this 'holy mission' without the knowledge of their guardians. A faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), led by MNA Maulana Esmatullah and his party, is a source of influence for these young students of Balochistan. Mullah Omar's messages are also sent through Kandahar to Quetta. The Afghan and local Taliban who are injured during their missions, are said to be receiving free medical treatment at five prominent private hospitals. The administration at these hospitals said that an big international NGO funds their medical care. "We are being paid by this NGO for the medical care being provided to the wounded or sick Taliban militants," an administrator at Dr Abdul Khaliq Memorial Hospital alleged. The NGO does not allow local authorities access to these "under-treatment" Taliban. The NGO puts up a 'don't know' front. The NGO's head of sub-delegation said, "We have not set up any field hospitals in Balochistan to provide medical assistance to the Afghan Taliban or other militants." However, the NGO is supporting three private hospitals in Quetta for providing assistance to the injured. "Doctors at Ikram Hospital and Imdad Hospital are providing medical assistance to people injured in bomb blasts, firing incidents and other forms of violence," he said. Posted by: ryuge 2011-10-17 |
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