“We feel that certain secular elements, some retired generals and security personnel, are opposing the talks and are making attempts to foil the process,” says Taliban leader Ehsanullah Ehsan. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) handed a list of 4,752 prisoners to the government on Friday who they want released.
A TTP leader told The Express Tribune that two of their commanders allegedly met with Pakistani officials in Sararogha, South Waziristan, and handed over the list in the initial step towards “negotiations and peace”.
“We have handed over the list of our colleagues imprisoned in different prisons of Pakistan including those on death row,” he explained.
Meanwhile, another commander claimed that in response to the government’s talks offer after the All Parties Conference held earlier this week, the Pakistani Taliban have formed a five-member committee that has drafted a list of demands that will form the basis of negotiations with the government.
Reportedly, this list of demands was drafted in a central shura meeting held in Miramshah, North Waziristan, headed by Hakimullah Mehsud and representatives of other militant outfits. However, another Taliban commander rebuffed reports of a formal shura meeting. The leader said that some leaders of the TTP and a few other groups are holding internal discussions and will finalise a strategy in the central council’s meeting to be held later.
‘Some don’t want talks’
Despite the headway in the peace process, the Pakistani Taliban have warned that “certain elements are bent on derailing” the negotiations with the government.
These comments came on the heels of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s similar note of caution as he too said some people were trying to disturb the talks with the Taliban. He also asked the Taliban to beware of these derailment efforts, saying that both sides must make progress in initiating the long-awaited peace process.
Ehsanullah Ehsan, member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) political commission, said on Thursday that the Taliban leaders are closely monitoring the activities of the anti-dialogue elements. “We feel that certain secular elements, some retired generals and security personnel, are opposing the talks and are making attempts to foil the process,” he told The Express Tribune.
He also said some secular politicians are also part of these “conspiracies”. When asked whether the Taliban would advise the government to eschew such efforts, he said it is not for the Taliban to advise the government. “We are responsible for our own affairs.”
On the possibility of a ceasefire ahead of the talks, the Taliban leader said it would be premature to say something on the issue.
Prisoner-FC exchange
Meanwhile, TTP spokesperson for South Waziristan, Asimullah Mehsud, confirmed Wednesday’s swap between the Pakistani military and Taliban militants in the Shawal area of South Waziristan Agency. He said the six militants belonged to the TTP’s South Waziristan chapter group led by Khan Saeed. The exchange of the prisoner militants with two FC troops had been decided before the All Parties Conference held in Islamabad on Monday, in which a consensus was reached to begin talks with the Taliban.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2013.
COMMENTS (34)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Looks more like Pakistan is negotiating terms for its surrender to TTP
Brilliant that hundreds of suicide bombings and massive loss of life later, Pak Army and TTP are BFFs
Historical evidence both recent and old, clearly tells us that the natives of Afghania (the land of the Pathans) are amongst the wiliest most cunning foes. Treachery and breach of contract is their second nature. All that matters to them is survival, loot, plunder and the glitter of gold. They are known to turn their guns and swords right in the midst of battle against their own party in return for higher rewards and money Both personal Honour and Faith, of which there is much public display, are but handmaidens to be used and discarded as needed. The Taliban represent the same. Anonymous Historian.
TTP wants their 4752 comrades freed from jail
KP govt wants the 252 already freed back in jail
How about freeing 4500 and calling it even
Wow, Our Government and Security Agencies ready to take action on political grounds, arrest and kill innocents because its easy but cant stand up front against those who killed thousands of innocents and admit it as well. Sad to know that our Army is so weak from inside who cant punish their own killers.
@Bilal: Brilliant that hundreds of suicide bombing (even in ramadan) and massive death loss later, Pak Army and Pak government are BFFs with TTP
When Is the official surrender date to taliban
State should accept these demands and also lay down arms to enable negotiations.
Is this a joke?....is anybody seriously considering the release of these criminals?...why are these murderers being treated as honorable men?....freeing these terrorist is the stupidest thing that Pakistan could possibly do...
@Dr. Bill: Who says they hate America?They hate Pakistan not America
In the background of the pic militant is carrying a Motorola Handset ......we hate America but the handset they make are awesome .....we love it
Kick out ISAF...Lmao. You should have stopped the mission, whick killed OBL, stopped Raymond Davis, stop the rotation of the same central cast of characters that US installs as your leaders every decade.
@Aysha M: One alternative is guard of honour with red carpet!
The main issue is the sincerity and competency of leaders due to which terrorism can not be controlled and is spreading.
Hold on people. They can demand whatever they like and government can respond as it sees fit. Them demanding 4 thousand prisoners doesnt mean they have got them released. However, it may be their strategy to go for outlandish and outrageous demand to begin with so that they can get more important demands like vacating military bases in s. waziristan accepted. It may be a decoy demand in other words. And besides, I dont think that government will do it. Government has a face to keep.
What parting gifts will Pak army have for these prisoners. Incredible stuff
You wanted to give peace a chance. Why complain now?
How can we expect peace after releasing 4700 hardcore criminals? If govt does so then even Europe didn't Hitler this much in 1930
This devil should be hanged first.
The only good Taliban is a dead Taliban.
Pakistan government and military is walking into a big trap from which they cannot get out. It will be utterly foolish to release these militants before the talibans agree, confirm and abide by the rules that they shall give up terrorism. Only after testing them for few months or even one or two years, the government may think of releasing the prisoners. Otherwise it will only strengthen the talibans.
@Aysha M: What is brilliant in this whole thing?Our soldiers have lost their lives while capturing these animals,How can we release them so easily?What about the concept of reward and punishment?If government is to release these murderers than why are those kep in jail who commit pity crimes.
free 4752 terrorists on whose guarantee???
Whatever type of negotiations govertment does, govt. should not be on back foot but rather on the front foot. The Taliban should be told clearly that releasing prisoners is one of their demands that will not be met. If still they are interested for peace, they need to be forced to give up their arms or face war again. That is the only way you can talk to Taliban.
Going from bad to worse. 4700 terrorists freed in one shot? Not even lowly ethiopia would make such a deal.
Why should there be preconditions to hold peace talks. Demanding the release of 4000 plus prisoners in return for nothing to sit at the negotiating table.
TTP DEMANDS 1). Release all TTP prisoners we have listed. 2). stay away from our bases and territories while we regroup and retrain! 3). When ready we will give surrender terms for government to accept!!!
“We have handed over the list of our colleagues imprisoned in different prisons of Pakistan including those on death row,” he explained.
Off course, 50,000 murdered Pakistani don't count for anything;The murderers should be released now,so that they can murder more. That Taliban has come up with the list within 2-3 days speaks volumes about their access to the jails,and their records.How many had already infiltrated the police,army and government is anybody's guess.
Brilliant!