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| India-Pakistan |
| Network of suicide bombers building up in Punjab: Ghani |
| 2008-09-24 |
| NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani on Monday said a network of would-be suicide bombers was building up in the Punjab and there were also reports of women's recruitment for the purpose. The NWFP governor, accompanied by Fata Additional Chief Secretary Habibullah Khan, was giving a briefing on the situation of the areas at the Governor's House. Punjab Governor Salman Taseer was also present. Governor Salman Taseer said the total number of militants in Fata was estimated at 10,000 including foreigners. He said each militant was paid between Rs 20,000 and 30,000 per month while the annual aid received by the militants was estimated at Rs 3.5 billion. He said militants were scattered across the country. He disclosed the main supply line of militants to Fata was from religious seminaries in Southern Punjab, particularly Bahawalpur and DG Khan divisions. Taseer said some battle-hardened students from Southern Punjab were now leading militant gangs in FATA. Taseer urged the nation to back the government in eliminating the militants and the trend from the country. He also asked the media to tell both sides of the story and positively focus on military personnel's heroic struggle. Terming ongoing military operations in Fata a regular war, Taseer cautioned the masses against ignoring the threat posed by militants. "This is not just a war restricted to Fata, it can spill into other parts of the country if not checked timely," he warned. Responding to queries by journalists, the NWFP governor termed Fata the defence line of Pakistan, saying the war against insurgency could continue for an indefinite period. He said militants in Swat were on the run and successful action had forced many into laying down arms. He said the government had rescued around 0.3 million peaceful people from the conflict-ridden area. Earlier, Fata Additional Chief Secretary Habibullah Khan said militants were highly organised, trained and battle-hardened.. He said the existing system of governance in Fata had been out-gunned and out-funded by the new phenomenon which had the full backing of foreign elements. He said the militants were divided into various groups, including al-Qaeda, Afghan Taliban, Pakistani Taliban, local non-Taliban groups, religious zealots and criminals. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 He said each militant was paid between Rs 20,000 and 30,000 per month By whom? |
| Posted by: Paul 2008-09-24 06:19 |
| #1 And the bill is paid by ?? |
| Posted by: newc 2008-09-24 03:32 |