E-Paper
Mehsud tribe vows not to give refuge to pro-Taliban militants
Elders and clerics of Mehsud tribe on today pledged that pro-Taliban militants will not be given shelter in areas inhabited by the tribe in South Waziristan tribal region after peace is restored in the area.
Elders and clerics of Mehsud tribe on Monday pledged that pro-Taliban militants will not be given shelter in areas inhabited by the tribe in South Waziristan tribal region after peace is restored in the area.
A jirga (Council meeting) attended by over 400 elders and clerics of the Mehsud tribe said Taliban fighters would not be provided shelter even if they try to use force.
The tribesmen would instead inform the government about the presence of militants, it said.
The elders said it was the "territorial responsibility" of the tribesman to ensure that militants are not given refuge or protection on their soil.
The army mobilised about 30,000 troops in October last year for an operation against the Taliban in South Waziristan Agency. It claims it has killed over 600 rebels in the offensive and that most militant-held areas have been cleared.
Over 100,000 people fled their homes after the launch of the operation and took shelter in relief camps set up in Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts.
The Mehsud elders made it clear to the government that the displaced people would go back when there is peace in their areas and a firm assurance is given by authorities that no more military operations would be launched after their return.
