November 03, 2008	Monday	Ziqa'ad 4, 1429

BANNU, Oct 2: The alleged failure of police to maintain law and order in the region, the elders of Daud Shah tribes have authorised the local Taliban from Sunday to take strict action against people involved in incidents of robbery, playing card, firing in the air and listening to music.

However, the tribal elders of the union council Daud Shah, FR Bannu, made it clear that any action would be taken in consultation with the elders of various tribes. The decision was taken at a joint jirga of the elders of the area and Taliban leaders held here in Pepal bazaar on Sunday.

The joint jirga also decided penalties for each ‘crime’. Those found involved in incidents of firing in the air would be fined Rs5,000 while Rs10,000 for arranging music programme, Rs10,000 fine plus other penalties for those involved in drug trade and smuggling, and punishment for acts of robbery would be in accordance with the ‘Sharia’ law.

The penalties would be enforces forthwith from Sunday. The elders claimed that they were forced to seek help from the Taliban as the government agencies had ‘totally failed’ to overcome the law and order problem.