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| India-Pakistan |
| The government's 'martial' security plan |
| 2014-05-24 |
| [DAWN] ISLAMABAD: Fearing a backlash from the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the government seat of Islamabad, an apprehensive PML-N government has decided to use both the security forces and the police on high alert to maintain peace in the capital as well as other parts of the country. It appears as if the government has decided to put the option of talks on hold and focus on a military operation in the militant-infested North Waziristan Agency (NWA). Sources in security forces told Dawn on Thursday that an operation of sorts had been started with air strikes on the militant hideouts on Wednesday. When contacted, Information Minister Pervez Rashid confirmed that an operation had been launched against the militants. "Security forces will carry out their operation where the life of the citizens is in danger." Asked whether talks between the government and the outlawed (TTP) had failed, the minister replied: "We will talk with those who are ready for it and the operation is being launched against those who are not ready to come to the negotiating table." In reply to another question regarding the deployment of army in Islamabad in view of the possible reaction from the TTP, Mr Rashid did not deny the reports: "It is the duty of the government to protect the citizens not only in Islamabad but also across the country. Such arrangements are part of the government's precautionary measures." It may be mentioned that militants have reportedly warned the government of suicide attacks in the country if a military operation was launched in their stronghold. In fact, this backlash in the cities has been used as an argument by those who oppose an operation in NWA. |
| Posted by:Fred |