| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| Sigh of relief as Taliban fighters leave Lower Dir |
| 2008-08-18 |
| TIMERGARA: There was a sense of relief in Lower Dir District on Sunday after people learnt that the Taliban fighters had left the Maidan area following some tough negotiations with the Jirga of local elders. The Jirga had given them five days initially to leave Maidan. Later, Jirga members held talks with the Taliban fighters, mostly Pakistanis but also including Afghans and some non-Afghans, and insisted they must leave Maidan to avoid confrontation with the local people. Reports from the area said the Taliban fighters left Maidan for an unknown location on Saturday. Earlier, Maidan Peace Jirga President Amanullah Khan, General Secretary Professor Muhammad Akram Khan and its other members told a press conference at the Government Rest House Lal Qilla that the Taliban had left the area. They said next time the local people would not let anyone spoil peace in the area. They said when the Maidan residents came to know about the presence of foreigners (Taliban) they decided to hold talks with them. They told the Taliban that they were Muslims, understand Shariah and concept of Jihad and would never take dictation from anyone in this regard. The Taliban were told that their presence could pave the way for a military operation in the area, and hence they should leave the area, the Jirga members said. "The Taliban commander was convinced and after accepting their demands, safe passage and protection to those sheltering them, they left the area", they added. They said they had fulfilled their promise of maintaining peace in their area with administration and military officials They said the Maidan Peace Jirga would not shy away from any sacrifice for the peace, integrity and security of Pakistan and Islam. Meanwhile, Upper Dir Police said the local people had raised a 'Lashkar' which would take action against the Taliban in case of their entry into the district. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 Sigh of relief as Taliban fighters leave I can empathize. I felt the same way when I finally got the fire ants out of my lawn. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2008-08-18 10:55 |
| #1 aliban fighters had left the Maidan area following some tough negotiations with the Jirga of local elders. AK-47s at ten paces? |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2008-08-18 07:33 |