LANDI KOTAL, Feb 12: A local religious organization closed down about one dozen illegal checkpoints in the Bara subdivision, declaring them un-Islamic, here on Wednesday.

The organization functioning in the Bar Qambarkhel area of the agency with the name of Amar Bilmaroof wa Nahi Anilmunkar launched a crackdown on the illegal checkpoints established by tribesmen in their respective areas, saying that levying tax on the transportation of foreign goods in the agency was un-Islamic.

Some 11 checkpoints set up along the road by the people of three sub-tribes of Bar Qambarkhel branch of Afridi tribe, were closed. The tribesmen used to receive tax from vehicles carrying smuggled goods to Bara from Afghanistan. The checkpoints were manned by the people of Sheikhmalkhel, Doplara and Wandgarai sub-tribes.

Sources said that every truck carrying smuggled goods used to pay Rs300, and a pick-up truck Rs150, at each of these checkpoints. Of these checkpoints, two each were established in Tangi and Karawal areas, while one each at Shanko, Chahchara, Nihar Ghara, Gul Ali, Soor Kas, Speen Dhand and Wandgarai localities.

Local transporters and traders had asked the Amar Bilmaroof wa Nahi Anilmunkar leaders for action against the illegal checkpoints. Sources said the organization leaders have warned the tribesmen that action would be taken according to the tribal traditions against those people who violated its decision.

In the meantime, a group of Zakhakhel tribesmen have set up an illegal checkpoint near Nadir Khan killi on the main Peshawar-Torkham highway in the Landi Kotal subdivision.

Sources said the tribesmen who manned the checkpoint forcefully received tax from vehicles of UN and other aid agencies and those carrying transit goods to Afghanistan.

The sources said that every vehicle carrying goods to Afghanistan paid Rs200 at this checkpoint. Spokesman for a local transport union Riaz Shinwari told this reporter that the political administration had been approached for help to wind up this illegal checkpoint.

Officials said on condition of anonymity said that the matter was in the notice of the administration. No responsible official was, however, available to record comments on the issue.