July 23, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 19, 1429

KHAR, July 22: A Taliban spokesman has warned that if the NWFP government does not stop the military operation in Hangu, Swat and other areas, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan will launch severe attacks.

The threat was issued on Tuesday at the expiry of a five-day ultimatum issued by TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud to the provincial government to resign.

Maulvi Umar told newsmen on phone from an unspecified place that the NWFP government was responsible for the military operation in the areas under its control.

He regretted the response of the provincial government to the TTP’s deadline. Due to sensitivity of the situation, the government should have shown flexibility and given a positive response to Taliban’s ultimatum, he said.

The spokesman said the TTP leadership wanted peace and resolution of disputes through dialogue.

He ruled out talks with the government until military actions in Hangu and Swat were halted. Taliban, he said, had prepared a plan which would be implemented after a decision by the Shura.

The Awami National Party-led provincial government had rejected Baitullah Mahsud’s ultimatum. “The people have elected us for five years and we would neither step down nor follow dictates of any person or group”, said NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain.