May 20, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 14, 1429

KHAR, May 19: A militant outfit in the Bajaur tribal region has announced separation from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and said that it would not become part of any peace deal between the government and the local Taliban.

The splinter group named Jaishul Islam decided that it would not take part in peace talks with the government unless security forces halt action in Darra Adamkhel and other parts of the country.

The group leader, Qari Saifullah, told journalists by phone that they did not agree with the policy of the policy of TTP headed by Baitullah Mehsud to strike peace deal with the government.

He said that on the one hand government had started negotiations with Taliban while on the other operation had been launched in Darra Adamkhel. Therefore, he said, Jaishul Islam had disassociated itself from the peace talks.

The splinter group is led by Abu Raihan in the Bajaur region. Qari Saifullah claimed that the people killed in the missile attack in Damadola on Wednesday last belonged to his group. At least 14 people were killed in the air attack carried out by the Americans.

“Jaish will take revenge of the killing of its comrades,” said Qari Saifullah.

The new militant group also convened a jirga in Mamond on Monday which was attended by elders of various tribes of the area. The group announced that it would work for the implementation of Sharia in the region.

It was announced that some people disguised as Taliban were kidnapping local people. “The group would take action against such elements and impose heavy fines on the criminals.”

On the occasion two Afghan nationals, who were captured on charges of spying, were handed over to the elders.