Tribal elders asked to expel Pak Taliban living as IDPs

PESHAWAR - The Pakistani authorities have sought help from elders of the Ahmedzai Wazir tribes to oust the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists, living with families and posing as internally displaced people (IDP) from South Waziristan.

The authorities demanded immediate ouster of TTP cadres from Wana and other towns, officials and tribal chieftains said on Tuesday.

“We have reports that the Mehsud militants have been staying with their relatives and posing as IDPs, who have been provided shelter by the Ahmedzai Wazirs in Wana and other towns,” Wana Assistant Political Agent Ghafoor Shah told a jirga of Ahmedzai Wazir elders.

The Daily Times quoted a tribal elder as saying that the government expressed the concern at the presence of Mehsud Taliban in Ahmedzai Wazir areas where security situation was better than other tribal regions since Mullah Nazir ousted foreign terrorists, especially the Uzbeks in 2007.

“We have already talked to Mullah Nazir and he is very much against the presence of Mehsud commanders or foot soldiers disguised as IDPs.

“There is complete unanimity among all stakeholders that we should be on high alert against these militants,” the tribal elder said on conditions of anonymity.

The officials said intelligence agencies picked up the movement of Mehsud Taliban visiting their relatives staying with Ahmedzai Wazir families and “we fear these Mehsud militants may attempt to disturb the peaceful environment in these areas.”

The tribal elder said the Mehsud families had come from Tiarza area and settled with friends in Shakai Valley, Wana and other towns. (ANI)