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GHALANAI, June 8: Local commander of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Umar Khalid said on Sunday that government was not sincere in peace talks because it was dillydallying release of their arrested comrades.
Talking to journalists after a jirga in the Mian Mandi area of Haleemzai tehsil, he said that their drive against criminals, robbers and anti-social elements would continue and the peace committee formed by Haleemzai tribe would be dissolved soon.
He said that Taliban were ready to hold talks with government anytime and anywhere. “Although we are a part of TTP yet we are authorised to hold dialogue and ink deals in our own capacity. But the government does not seem to be sincere in peace because it has released eight persons who were not Taliban. They were common people of Safi tribe,” he added.
He said that eight FC personnel were in their captivity and Taliban were ready to release them in exchange for their three members in government’s custody. “Government servants would never be prevented from their jobs rather we offered to secure them. However, female servants of health and education departments would have to observe proper dress and veil,” he said.
Mr Khalid said that NGO’s would never be allowed to continue their activities. “However, semi-government projects like FRDP would be allowed if we are consulted and our reservations cleared,” he remarked.
He said Taliban had been deployed on Pak-Afghan border to stop flour smuggling on the demand of local people and not a single bag would be smuggled.
When asked about the complaint cells set up by Taliban, he said that this was not a new phenomenon. Our people were accustomed to Sharia and willingly resolve their disputes through jirga and Mullah, he remarked.
During his first-ever exposure to media, the Taliban commander remained calm and confident. Perhaps he wanted to give a hidden message and show his muscles to the opponents who wanted to curtail Taliban’s activities in the region. It was also a new thing to see none of Taliban was wearing mask.
SUPPORT ANNOUNCED: Elders of Haleemzai tribe have announced support to the local Taliban to maintain law and order in the region, saying that no other organisation or committee would be allowed to operate in the Haleemzai tehsil of Mohmand tribal region.
Speaking at a jirga held in Haleemzai on Sunday, tribal elders said that they would extend support to Taliban in the maintenance of peace and elimination of anti-social elements in the area.
They said that law and order situation had improved in the area as the local Taliban and the political authorities were abiding by the agreement. The Haleemzais would not allow any other organisation or committee to operate in the area and would extend support to Taliban in the maintenance of peace.
The jirga was attended by Malik Mohammad Ali Haleemzai, Maulana Samiul Haq alias Sahib Haq, Maulana Samiullah, besides a large number of tribal elders, and local amir of Taliban Umar Khalid and Qari Shakeel.
