ID :
13586
Wed, 07/23/2008 - 18:27
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/13586
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Pak Taliban to govt:stop military operations else face attacks
Islamabad, July 23 (PTI) Pakistani Taliban militants have threatened to launch "severe attacks" if the authorities do not stop military operations against them in parts of the North West Frontier Province and other areas.
The threat was issued Tuesday by a spokesman of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan led by Baitullah Mehsud after the expiry of a five-day ultimatum given by the militants to the N.W.F.P. government to resign.
Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar told reporters in Peshawar on phone from an unspecified location that severe attacks would be launched by the militants if the military operations in Hangu district and Swat valley were not stopped.
The N.W.F.P. government dismissed the Taliban's ultimatum and expressed its determination to continue with its peace process. It also warned that it would come down hard on elements that challenged the writ of the government.
"We have two options to settle the law and order situation – either through talks or to use force," N.W.F.P. Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain told journalists after a special meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti.
The provincial government has a clear policy to solve law and order problems through jirgas and mutual understanding but it would use force against elements that are not cooperating with it and not joining peace talks.
"Police, Frontier Corps and the army would be used against those disturbing the development process and destroying peace," Hussain said.
Hussain also made it clear that the N.W.F.P. government would complete its five-year term and would not resign due to a deadline set by anyone.
Taliban spokesman Omar regretted the N.W.F.P. government's response to the Taliban's deadline. Due to the "sensitivity of the situation", the government should have "shown flexibility and given a positive response to the Taliban's ultimatum", Omar said.
Omar ruled out talks with the government until military operations in Hangu and Swat were halted. The Taliban have prepared a plan that will be implemented after a decision is made by the 'Shura' or consultative council, he added.
About 15 militants have been killed in Hangu district in an operation launched by the army after the militants recently ambushed and killed 15 paramilitary personnel. The crackdown was stopped Tuesday at the N.W.F.P. government's request as provincial authorities believe the objectives of the operation have been achieved.
The N.W.F.P. government signed a peace agreement with the local Taliban in Swat valley in May but the area has witnessed fresh tensions following clashes between the security forces and militants. The government has said the peace pact is still intact and it will abide by it.
The authorities have released 19 arrested Taliban cadres in Swat but the militants are insisting that some 60 of their detained members should also be freed.
Pakistan witnessed a deadly wave of suicide attacks and bombings that began last year and continued till the general election in February this year. Hundreds of people have been killed in these attacks. The bombings stopped after the new civilian government adopted a policy of holding talks with the militants.
The threat was issued Tuesday by a spokesman of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan led by Baitullah Mehsud after the expiry of a five-day ultimatum given by the militants to the N.W.F.P. government to resign.
Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar told reporters in Peshawar on phone from an unspecified location that severe attacks would be launched by the militants if the military operations in Hangu district and Swat valley were not stopped.
The N.W.F.P. government dismissed the Taliban's ultimatum and expressed its determination to continue with its peace process. It also warned that it would come down hard on elements that challenged the writ of the government.
"We have two options to settle the law and order situation – either through talks or to use force," N.W.F.P. Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain told journalists after a special meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti.
The provincial government has a clear policy to solve law and order problems through jirgas and mutual understanding but it would use force against elements that are not cooperating with it and not joining peace talks.
"Police, Frontier Corps and the army would be used against those disturbing the development process and destroying peace," Hussain said.
Hussain also made it clear that the N.W.F.P. government would complete its five-year term and would not resign due to a deadline set by anyone.
Taliban spokesman Omar regretted the N.W.F.P. government's response to the Taliban's deadline. Due to the "sensitivity of the situation", the government should have "shown flexibility and given a positive response to the Taliban's ultimatum", Omar said.
Omar ruled out talks with the government until military operations in Hangu and Swat were halted. The Taliban have prepared a plan that will be implemented after a decision is made by the 'Shura' or consultative council, he added.
About 15 militants have been killed in Hangu district in an operation launched by the army after the militants recently ambushed and killed 15 paramilitary personnel. The crackdown was stopped Tuesday at the N.W.F.P. government's request as provincial authorities believe the objectives of the operation have been achieved.
The N.W.F.P. government signed a peace agreement with the local Taliban in Swat valley in May but the area has witnessed fresh tensions following clashes between the security forces and militants. The government has said the peace pact is still intact and it will abide by it.
The authorities have released 19 arrested Taliban cadres in Swat but the militants are insisting that some 60 of their detained members should also be freed.
Pakistan witnessed a deadly wave of suicide attacks and bombings that began last year and continued till the general election in February this year. Hundreds of people have been killed in these attacks. The bombings stopped after the new civilian government adopted a policy of holding talks with the militants.
