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MIRAMSHAH: The Taliban Shura has condemned attacks on security forces in North Waziristan Agency and said they would abide by the peace agreement with the government.
A statement issued by the five-member Shura-i-Muraqiba (Observation Council) in Miramshah on Friday warned that some elements were trying to destabilise North Waziristan by firing rockets and exploding remote-controlled bombs (improvised explosive devices).
“Everybody knows that through a secret and well-organised conspiracy, the peaceful law and order situation is being aggravated in North Waziristan,” says a one-page statement in Urdu issued by the shura on its letter pad. Therefore, Mujahideen and Ansar (locals and outsiders) are directed to respect the peace agreement with the government, it said.
Taliban factions and elders had signed a peace deal with the government in Feb 2007. Under the accord, people in North Waziristan would fulfil all conditions of the agreement, including protection of security forces and government installations.
The Observation Council, which comprised representatives of militant outfits, including the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, was set up last year after receiving complaints from locals.
The council was mandated to check activities of masked men who were reportedly involved in kidnapping and torturing local people on spying charges. Sources said the shura issued the statement in the wake of a surge in attacks on security forces.
“This is our joint responsibility to fulfil the agreement and no individual will be allowed to violate it,” the council warned, adding: “The shura reserved the right to take action if any person is found violating the deal. The involved person will be responsible for consequences.”
