Taliban threatens to behead people joining pro-govt militia
The Taliban have threatened to behead people in the restive Bajaur tribal region in northwest Pakistan if they join a pro-government 'qaumi lashkar' or militia that has been targeting militants.
The threat was issued to people living in the Jalozai relief camp, which was set up to house those who were displaced by the military operations in Bajaur Agency.
The Taliban warned the people not to support the government or join the "qaumi lashkar" when they returned to their homes.
A pamphlet in Pashto distributed by the Taliban in the Jalozai camp warned the displaced people not to return to their homes unless the government agreed to implement Shariah or Islamic law in Bajaur Agency.
The pamphlet claimed people from the Mamoond tribe who were taken back to their homes by the government had been subjected to heavy bombardment by security forces.
It also claimed a same fate awaited members of the Charmung tribe when they return home.
"We can strike everywhere and no one is out of our range in the country. Nothing is hidden from us. Listen with open ears and do not return to your homes unless promises made to you by the government about implementing Shariah and restoration of peace are fulfilled," the pamphlet added.
The Taliban described those who call them "terrorists" as non-Muslims.
"Those who call us terrorists, whether they are ordinary citizens or from the media, are not Muslims," the pamphlet issued by the Taliban added.
Authorities have seized copies of the pamphlet and launched an investigation.
The pamphlet was distributed at a time when a 3-member jirga or council of the Charmung and Mamond tribes has drawn up plans to visit Bajaur Agency to assess whether the situation is conducive to the return of the displaced people.
An important Taliban commander was arrested in Jalozai camp two days ago.
Beheaded bodies of three tribesmen accused of spying for the US were found in north Waziristan tribal region in northwest Pakistan.
The bodies were found in Norak vilage yesterday, 15 kms east of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan agency. A note left besides the body by the Taliban said other persons found spying for the US would meet the same fate.
