SWABI, Nov 16: After the fall of Kabul and other provinces and retreat of the Taliban militia, the stage is set for a guerilla war in Afghanistan.

Speaking at a programme organized by Abaseen Union of Journalists here on Thursday, former Mujahideen leaders, religious activists and displaced persons maintained that the events of the last three days could not be termed defeat of the Taliban forces. It was rather a strategic plan for the war which would engulf the whole region, they added.

A distinguished leader of Harkatul Mujahideen, Sher Zamin, said the Taliban had been preparing themselves for a long guerilla war. Key commanders had been deployed on strategic positions to defend their bases, equipped with weapons, food and other materials.

The former provincial general secretary of JUI, Najeeb Khan, said a prolonged war would have serious repercussions for Pakistan. He said Islamabad’s demand of a short duration war had been met with a cold shoulder as the US and its allies had made it clear that they would continue their hunt for Osama bin Laden, Mulla Omar and target Al-Qaeda bases in Ramazan.

He predicted that the Taliban would finally emerge victorious in the war and the US fate would not be different from the defunct USSR.

Former commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Mohammad Usman was of the view that the Taliban had enough weapons to fight for another 10 years.

Former president of Swabi Bar Association Noor Dad said the government’s Afghan policy had failed to achieve its objectives because it was prepared in line with the agenda of the US and its allies, while Pakistan’s priorities had been ignored.

Deputy provincial secretary of JUI (S) and vice-president of Defence Council for Afghanistan and Pakistan Syed Maqbool Shah said the US-led coalition had violated the UN charter, principles of international law and human rights by targeting civilian.

Hospitals, schools, mosques and even the offices of UN relief agencies were attacked, killing thousands of innocent people, he claimed.

A displaced person Mandil Khan, who had been living in Pakistan for the last 20 years, said meddling in Afghan affairs by its neighbours and great powers had played havoc with the lives of Afghans.

He said the Taliban restored peace in their respective areas but now chaos and looting would reign Afghanistan.