[ADN Kronos] Sufi Mohammad, the head of the Pakistani militant group Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi on Tuesday said militants accused of brutal killings would not be prosecuted under Islamic law administered in the troubled Swat valley. "We intend to bury the past," the leader told a private television channel, off-camera. "Past things will be left behind and we will go for a new life in peace."Mohammad's assertion highlights the dilemma facing the government as it seeks to halt 18 months of bloodletting in the Swat valley while convincing the nation, and the West, that it is not capitulating to militants.
Asked during the television interview on Tuesday whether the new courts would hear complaints from Swat residents about militant cleric Mullah Fazlullah or his followers, Sufi Mohammad said they could not.
Asked if the Taliban would enjoy such immunity, an NWFP minister only pleaded for peace. "Everyone should understand what we have gone through and what kind of hardship people in Swat have suffered," Wajid Ali Khan said. "We can look into any disputes and controversy at some later stage."
A Taliban spokesman said that militants would cooperate if Islamic law was quickly implemented. "The world will see how much peace and prosperity comes to this region," Khan said.
Mohammad said his followers would tour all districts of Malakand, including Buner, to "ensure peace". He also said that the courts would interpret civil rights according to Islamic strictures. "Women will have full protection and rights under Sharia (Islamic law). They will live a better life, but behind the veil," he said.
Meanwhile, the Swat Taliban have "banned" the display of weapons in bazaars and other urban areas, saying there is no need to take up arms if 'Shariat' is enforced in letter and spirit. The decision was taken after an appeal by Mohammad, Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan told journalists. He said the Taliban had achieved their goal and they were ready to cooperate for the quick implementation of Islamic law. He also praised president Asif Ali Zardari and members of the national assembly for having quickly approved this.
Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi is a Pakistani militant group whose objective is to enforce Sharia law in the country.