The government and tribal militants are reportedly holding secret talks to reach a shaky Shakai-like deal, tribal and official sources said on Wednesday. "We expect something positive to happen soon," a relative of Maulvi Abbas, one of the wanted men, was quoted as saying to a tribal elder in Wana. But he would not elaborate on his statement.
| "He'll spend a few days in the hoosegow but then he'll be back on the street lookin' for infidels." |
FATA Security chief Brig (r) Mehmood Shah denied reports that the government was holding any talks with the militants. "The government does not want to make a repeat of the Shakai experience," he told Daily Times on the phone. He said the government's stand was very clear. "Militants must surrender unconditionally," he added. But military spokesman Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan would not confirm or deny the report. "One should not be surprised if such talks are in progress. These talks may be taking place on behalf of the political administration or Governor's House," he told Daily Times on the phone. Asked if the talks were likely to lead to a Shakai-type deal between the militants and the government, Gen Sultan preferred not to comment. A senior official, however, denied that the government was directly involved in the talks. But he said some parties were negotiating with the militants on the government's behalf.
|