Pak Taliban warn NWFP govt of attacks

{image-Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan_23072008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Khar, Jul 23: After the expiry of its deadline on Monday, July 21, the TTP (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan) has once again warned the NWFP government that if it did not stop the military operation in Hangu, Swat and other areas, it will launch severe attacks on government establishments and officials.

TTP spokesman Maulvi Umar told newsmen on phone from an unspecified place that the NWFP government was "responsible for the military operation" in the areas under its control. He regretted the response of the provincial government to the TTP's deadline, and said that due to sensitivity of the situation, the government should have shown flexibility and given a positive response to Taliban's ultimatum.

The spokesman said that the TTP leadership wanted peace and resolution of disputes through dialogue. He ruled out talks with the government until military actions in Hangu and Swat were halted. The Taliban had prepared a plan which would be implemented after a decision by the Shura, the Dawn quoted him as saying.

The Awami National Party-led provincial government had rejected Baitullah Mahsud's ultimatum. "The people have elected us for five years and we would neither step down nor follow dictates of any person or group", said NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Monday, July 21.

ANI