TTP claim killing of decorated Orakzai Agency peace lashkar leader

Militant, who the TTP claimed was working for them, killed himself after murdering the lashkar leader.

PESHAWAR: Leader of the peace militia of the Stori Khel Tribe in Orakzai Agency, Malik Waris Khan, was attacked and killed by armed militants in Feroz Khail area of the agency on Friday.

A senior official of the Political administration told The Express Tribune that Malik Waris Khan, was busy in the Feroz Khail market at noon when unidentified person opened fire on him. “He was killed on the spot,” said the official.

The militant, according to the official, managed to escape. However the house he took refuge in was soon located and encircled by security forces however.

With no way to escape, and capture imminent, the militant killed himself. “He first exploded a hand grenade and injured himself but when the security forces moved closer, he shot himself,” sad the official.

The spokesperson for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Ehsanullah Ehsan called reporters from an unknown location and claimed responsibility for the attack on the peace lashkar leader. “He was fighting against us,” said Ehsan.

Malik Waris Khan had been awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan on the 23rd of March, 2011, recognising his efforts to combat militants and restore peace in his area.

Malik Waris, along with his militia, combated militants for almost two months. They blocked the road in Chingana, Orakzai Agency, cutting a major supply route of the militants.