After a two-year long successful military operation and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Taliban have reappeared in Bajaur Agency, warning Levies Force officials through letters to stop the offensive or be ready to face the consequences. Sources told Daily Times that the threats written on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) letterheads were distributed in various areas of the agency's Mamoond and Khar tehsils on Monday, saying the TTP would continue its fight in Bajaur against the US and its allies.The TTP has asked the Levies Force to stop actions against the organisation.
Residents said they feared for their safety again after the distribution of the threatening letters.
On April 19, FATA Law and Order Secretariat Secretary Tariq Hayat told a press briefing, "Security forces had claimed security clearance in most of Bajaur after military operations."
"We have de-notified the status of conflict zones in 34 villages in tehsil Wara Mamund and 19 villages of tehsil Nawagai, Charmang areas," he had said. He, however, feared that the Taliban could recapture the cleared areas of the agency if IDPs were not repatriated to these areas.
The battle for Bajaur or Operation Sherdil was launched by the Pakistan Army in August 2008 to clear the area of the Taliban, in control of the agency since early 2007.