| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| Islamic militants train near bin LadenÂ’s compound |
| 2011-05-28 |
| GULI BADRAL, Pakistan - In this Pakistani village surrounded by forests and glacial streams just 35 miles from where Osama bin Laden was killed, people become uneasy when asked what goes on up the mountain. It’s where villagers avoid cutting pine trees for firewood - and where they know not to ask questions. When pressed, they say it’s a secret training complex for Islamic militants and that the Pakistani army is aware of it. The army denies that it exists. At least one of the militants appeared motivated to speak out because of anger at the army, which he said is not as supportive as it once was. Before 2001, Kashmiri-focused militant groups had offices across the country where they could openly recruit and allegedly received considerable state funds. The three militants who spoke to the AP said all the bases in Mansehra were training recruits for jihad in Kashmir, not Afghanistan. An essential part of that process is religious indoctrination, especially a willingness to kill - and die - for Islam, said Mr. Jamal, who visited Mansehra camps about a decade ago. The camp near the village of Khatai houses a mosque big enough for 2,500 worshippers as well as dormitories and classrooms, according to one militant, who said his job is to deliver supplies such as boots and jackets to the facility. He said firing exercises take place deeper inside the forest, where the recruits stay in tents. Recruits may enroll in a four-week course that covers basic military skills, or three-month stints with extensive instruction in guerrilla warfare, according to this militant. He said “chosen graduates” are sent to the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir for more explosives training. |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #2 How long has Pakistan used religion as a tool to fight/die? Wrong question, Paul. It should be "How long has Islam used religion as a tool to fight/die?" It's been going on for about 1400 years now... |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2011-05-28 16:20 |
| #1 An essential part of that process is religious indoctrination, especially a willingness to kill - and die - for Islam, said Mr. Jamal, who visited Mansehra camps about a decade ago How long has Pakistan used religion as a tool to fight/die? |
| Posted by: Paul D 2011-05-28 13:11 |