Taliban agreed to authorize TNSM chief for talks with govt

By Alamzeb Khan

Islamabad: Tehreke-Taliban Swat led by radical cleric Maulana Fazlulla agreed to authorize Tehreke-Nefaze Shariyate Mohammad (TNSM) Maulana Sofi Mohammad for talks with the government of Pakistan to restore peace in the 16 months long war hit Swat area of Pakistan. This was announced by Mohammad Alam, a representative of Taliban on their illegal FM radio Station at Mingora Swat Friday night. Mohammad Alam further added that Taliban will not lay down arms till enforcement of Shariya. However several local sources say that Taliban has no interest with Shariya but just to enforce their false propaganda.

Earlier today, reports received here said that Tehreke Taliban Swat in their talks with TNSM are demanding withdrawal of troops, releasing of their prisoners and compensation for their casualties. A local teacher Ahmad Saeed said that if these demands are really on board then peace in the area will be difficult to restore. However the recent announcement of authorizing Sofi Mohammad leaves a ray of hope for the people of the area.

The said development is considered a major breakthrough as talk were continued between Tehreke Taliban Swat and TNSM for the last 4 days after an agreement was signed between Provincial Government and TNSM on 15^th of this month followed by a 10 day cease fire announcement from Taliban.

After the ceasefire on 15^th of this months thousands of peace lovers rushed into the troubled Swat area including some of the local victims who left the area during the last 16 months.

The local people of Swat are celebrating the peace moments as they have lost every thing during the last 16 months.

However International media and some other independent sources are worried about compensation given to Taliban in Swat and hold the view that recent steps took by government of Pakistan will let Taliban to become stronger and spread their agenda more easily. However the local people of Swat rejects these statements and hold the opinion that if peace sustains in the area, it will bring a bright future for them.

Almost all political and religious parties of Pakistan have welcomed the ongoing peace process. Prominent pushtoon Leader Afzal Khan Lala who stood like a rock against Taliban in Swat also believe in peace and said that this will even lesson the recent talibanization wave in the area.

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