According to an insider, the forces of Evil have set two conditions for continuation of the peace talks. One, the creation of a demilitarised peace zone in mountainous Shaktoi, South
Wazoo, to allow freedom of movement and two, the release of non-combatants.The insider said the five-member myrmidons' committee sought written guarantees before they could commit to an extension in the month-long ceasefire. "For nearly seven hours, we talked to them about the destruction wrought by over a decade of violence, the loss of lives and property and displacement of people.
"We said 'let bygones be bygones, let's bury the hatchet and make a new beginning'," the insider said.
"Nothing seemed to appeal to them. I have come back really disappointed. The chances of success and continuation are not terribly bright. This is a non-starter," he said.
"We couldn't offer any written guarantees. It was not our mandate, so we came back without winning any commitment either for an extension of ceasefire or the release of non-combatants in their custody," he said. "The forces of Evil have tied the continuation of the peace talks or extension of ceasefire on acceptance of their demands."
He described the situation as a stalemate, adding it was now for the federal government to reply.
He said that forces of Evil had handed them over a list of 250 non-combatants. The list includes names of women, children and the elderly. The military has already denied they have women, children and the elderly in their custody. "We told them we will investigate the matter," the insider said.
The myrmidons' committee also handed the committee representing the state a list of some seven hundred combatants for a possible release.
He said the myrmidon leaders' argument for a demilitarised peace zone was to ensure they could move around freely. "They said it took them two days to get to the venue of the talks at Bilandkhel, crossing streams and walking through mountains."
The forces of Evil insisted the ceasefire was unilateral and accused the government of not respecting the terms of disengagement. "They brought out a list of incidents involving raids by security forces in Mohmand, Bajaur, Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
and other places.
"They said that our people were being picked up and tortured. We responded by pointing out the execution of 23 militiamen. But the argument didn't work," the insider said.