| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| Tailban make faces, demand govt abide by agreement |
| 2008-06-09 |
| The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Sunday issued pamphlets to local journalists that cautioned the government to stick to their peace agreement. The pamphlet, singed by Commander Nazir of the TTP, was sent to local journalists and stated that if the government violated the treaty, the Taliban could open new fronts against the government. It said that the government should not consider them weak, as the TTP was an organised power that could not be thwarted easily. The pamphlet warned the government against fighting America’s war on terror in Pakistan, as its ramifications could be dangerous. Govt not serious about talks: TTP Leader says group to continue crackdown on anti-social elements GHALANAI: The government is not serious in its talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Commander Umar Khalid, leader of the militant group in Mohmand Agency, said on Sunday. “The government is delaying the release of our prisoners, although it is negotiating with the TTP at local as well as the central level,” Khalid told reporters in the Mian Mandi Gandhab area of the agency. “There are around 150 Taliban in government custody, while 70-80 government employees are under the Taliban’s detention,” he said. Khalid said eight government employees were in Taliban custody in the Mohmand Agency, adding that the group was demanding the release of three Taliban prisoners in exchange for the government employees. Anti-social elements: The TTP leader said the group would continue acting against anti-social elements in the Mohmand Agency. “We will soon take action against criminals in the Parang tehsil.” Khalid said government employees were free to do their duty in the area. However, he asked female government employees to go to work in purdah (veil) according to Shariah law. He also denied claiming responsibility for a rocket attack, which occurred in Ghalani this week, alleging that those who did not support talks between the government and Taliban were behind the attack. Khalid said the TTP would not allow any non-government organisation (NGO) into the region because “they spread vulgarity and obscenity”. Regarding semi-government agencies, he said such organisations would be investigated to ensure they were not spreading NGOs’ missions in the area, adding that the TTP would continue to wage jihad, regardless of whether it reaches a peace deal with the government or not. staff report |
| Posted by:Fred |