Tribesmen in Mohmand Agency asked to expel militants, vacate houses

Ghalanai, Nov 11 : Tension gripped the Mohmand Agency tribal area after the NWFP government asked the tribesmen to expel militants and vacate houses ahead of likely military action.

According to the Dawn, exodus has started from the Anbar sub-division of the region and displaced people were heading towards Peshawar, Mardan and other areas to avoid military operation, local people said.

Political administration distributed pamphlets in parts of the volatile area adjacent to Peshawar today seeking local people's support against pro-Taliban militants. Residents said that pamphlets were dropped from planes.

"The government has banned Tahreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its leadership has been declared proclaimed offender. Its leaders are receiving funds, weapons and other incentives from non-Muslim and anti-Pakistan states for their activities," the paper quoted the pamphlets as saying.

"They (Taliban) are not Mujahideen and spread militancy. They are involved in killing of innocent people," said the pamphlets, and urged the tribesmen to follow their fellows in the Bajaur, Darra Adamkhel and Orakzai and raise lashkar against militants.

Tension started in the area after a suicide bomber hit his explosive laden vehicle with a check post in Lakaro on October 26, killing one driver and wounding nine security personnel. Sources said that militants had established their complete hold in three out of five sub divisions of Mohmand. Their main strongholds are Lakaro, Pendiali and Anbar sub divisions where parallel courts were set up to decide cases and disputes among the tribesmen. These courts had been abolished.

ANI