Historical importance of Khyber Agency as main inlet for foreign invaders of Subcontinent is a well-known fact, militant groups had taken over control of this tribal area during last few years, Lashkar I Islam and Ansar ul Islam are two main rival groups responsible for formation of parallel government and challenging the writ of government.
According to official sources in the name of reform these groups had gained strength and had established their rule in Khyber Agency, on seventh day of security forces operation in Bara area of Khyber Agency 18 members of council of elders have contacted political administration of the Khyber Agency, now ceasefire is announced and curfew timings are also relaxed to facilitate the tribesmen to buy basic necessities of life, members of council of elders are gone back to contact militant leadership to convey government demands to them, around 92 militants are also arrested by government forces.
Analysts are of the view that due to laxity of previous government militants in disguise of reformers had succeeded to win the sympathies of the people in tribal area of Khyber Agency. So far no resistance was met by government forces in Bara area, it clearly reflects that tribesmen were not very happy with rule of militants, even in settled areas of NWFP militants are secretly sending threatening letters and making hit and run attempts to destroy their targets, anger against militants is at increase in public of settled areas which can hardly tolerate destruction of their businesses and oppressive Taliban ideology.
Submitted by
Abdur Raziq
Blog: raziq1.blogspot.com