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| India-Pakistan |
| Anti-Taliban tribal elder fatally shot in Bajaur |
| 2009-10-04 |
| [Dawn] Suspected Taliban militants fatally shot a tribal elder Saturday in volatile northwestern Pakistan as he traveled to discuss anti-militancy efforts with government authorities, an official said. The dead body of a man accused of spying for the US also turned up in the Bajur tribal region. Tribal elder Malik Abdul Majeed was killed while riding in his car in the Damadola area of Bajur, said Abdul Maalik, a local government official. Majeed's cousin also was wounded in the attack. As part of their strategy to gain control in pockets of Pakistan's northwest, Taliban militants frequently attack tribal leaders considered to be pro-government. Many such tribal leaders have formed 'peace committees' aimed at keeping insurgents out of their territory. Majeed belonged to a tribal peace council in Bajur's Mamund area, said Maalik, adding that the killing 'is an act of terrorism.' Militants also have slaughtered many individuals they suspect of helping out the government or the United States. The latest body surfaced on the outskirts of Khar, Bajur's main town. Police official Muhammad Javed said a note attached to the corpse read: 'He is an enemy of Islam. He is an American agent.' Pakistan's paramilitary forces said Friday that they had killed 27 more militants, including two commanders, in Khyber. The statement from the Frontier Corps said the troops also destroyed two militant hide-outs in Friday's operations. It was not possible to independently confirm the statement. Access to Khyber is restricted. |
| Posted by:Fred |