April 2, 2006	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 3, 1427

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PESHAWAR, April 1: Local Taliban in Jandola region have ordered every man to grow beard within three weeks or face punishment. In a declaration made at a gathering of Bhittani tribal elders in Jandola Bazaar, Maulana Asmatullah, the so-called amir of the Taliban, said that no cleric would either solemnise the marriage or lead funeral prayers of those who did not grow beard within the stipulated time.

“Every adult will grow beard within three weeks,” he announced.

The Taliban amir said that no doctor would treat shaven patients who would also not be allowed to travel in public transport.

Jandola is a semi-tribal area and is a buffer zone between the South Waziristan tribal region and Tank district.

Government officials acknowledge that Taliban’s influence has spilled over from Waziristan into Jandola and is spreading to Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.

The Taliban also announced fixing dowry at Rs50,000 and three tolas of gold.

The decision, a local tribesman said, had been taken in view of the galloping dowry which had reached the Rs300,000 mark. In local customs, dowry is paid to parents of a bride.

The Taliban have also warned of enforcement of zakat and said that severe punishment would be awarded in case of non-compliance.

A Rs100,000 fine has been levied on committing murder in Jandola Bazaar to be deposited with the Taliban’s Baitul Mal, the cleric said.

He warned that those who usurped the rights of people should mend their ways or face punishment.

“Those who do not fulfil the demands should prepare themselves for a fight,” said the 38-year-old cleric, who has fought alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan and has been described as an old jihadi.

Local tribesmen said the Taliban continued to patrol and had set up a checkpost to ensure security in the region.