December 22, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 23, 1429

KOHAT, Dec 21: The Taliban announced enforcement of ‘Sharia’ in upper parts of the Orakzai tribal region, militant sources said here on Sunday.

The Shura, decision-making body of the militants, met in Orakzai and decided to implement their brand of the Islamic laws. Members from North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand and Frontier Region of Darra Adamkhel reportedly participated in the meeting.

Hakeemullah, hailing from the Mehsud tribe of the South Waziristan, who has established a camp in Orakzai, announced the decision.

According to the sources, militants had been making announcements through loudspeakers from mosques in Dagar Hangarpur, Kandi, Mishti, Ghunda Khel, Aa Khel and Ghiljo areas about the enforcement of the new law since Friday.

The tribal areas, where women did not observe veil as part of the traditions, had now been asked to cover their bodies even on the occasions of fetching water and working in the fields.

Militants have established a second headquarters in Orakzai. With the help of leaders from the tribal region, the Taliban had already started giving punishments to alleged criminals and hashish sellers, and banned cutting of jungle in lower Orakzai several months back.

The Taliban have established complaint cells in Ghiljo and Kandi Mishti (upper Orakzai Agency), and Mamozai and Feroze Khel (lower Orakzai Agency). Such complaint cells were destroyed by the tribesmen and local administration a few months back.

The local tribesmen, who resisted enforcement of ‘Sharia’ back in 1995, had laid down arms before the Taliban, the sources added.

The Maliks had stopped raising lashkar against the Taliban after the suicide attack at an anti-Taliban jirga in Khadezai area.

The worried tribesmen have refused to cooperate with the government which did not send gunship helicopters and fighter planes on their request to fight the Taliban in the region.

Meanwhile, Dawn has learnt that the Taliban had abducted nine people including government officials and civilians from Kalaya and Shahu Khel areas during the last 24 hours.

The two government employees, who were kidnapped on Saturday last, have been identified as policeman Ejaz and PTCL lineman Zahid.

Confirmed reports reaching here said that the Taliban from the banned Sipah-i-Sahaba of Pakistan had started preparing strategy for carrying out terrorist attacks during Muharram in parts of the NWFP.

The rival tribes were reportedly stockpiling arms and ammunition whereas the local administration was completely helpless and just watching the deteriorating situation.