KHAR (Bajaur Agency), July 13: A leader of the banned Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Mohammadi (TNSM), Maulana Faqir Mohammad, on Thursday warned the political administration against detention and victimisation of the group’s workers in the agency.

The Maulana, wanted for his alleged involvement in various acts of terrorism and subversion, issued the warning at a protest rally held in Umari area of Tehsil Mamond, about 12km north of the agency’s headquarters.

A large number of the group’s activists, carrying rocket launchers and Kalashnikovs, attended the rally.

Authorities had raided houses of the group’s leader on Wednesday. However, no arrest was made in the operation that continued for hours.

Speaking at the rally, Maulana Faqir Mohammed said he would never surrender and would continue struggle against the United States and allied forces in Afghanistan.

He said his supporters had been engaged in guerrilla activities in Afghanistan and were sending weapons across the border.

He denied links with Al Qaeda or any other organisation, but said he would be honoured to provide shelter to Al Qaeda leaders.

Maulana Faqir Mohammed, who remained underground in the last two years, warned the administration to halt raids on the houses of the group’s workers otherwise his supporters would launch war against the government.