Panic grips locals as TTP men appear at cricket match in Khyber's Bara

On spotting vehicle, villagers fled scene, fearing reprisals from TTP, which once controlled large parts of the region

Panic spread among residents of Bara’s Akakhel area in Khyber tribal district after a group of terrorists, 'belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan', unexpectedly appeared at a local cricket match.

According to local sources, the TTP vehicle was seen passing near the village ground where dozens of spectators were watching a cricket match. On spotting the vehicle, many villagers fled the scene, fearing reprisals from the them, who once controlled large parts of the region.

However, to their surprise, the armed men stopped and addressed the crowd, asking them not to be afraid. “You can play whatever game you want or engage in your political activities openly without any fear,” their leader reportedly told the residents who had gathered at the site. “We do not interfere with the locals or their activities. We do not rob people or extort money.”

The leader went on to claim that the TTP’s image as a violent group was a 'propaganda', asserting that they only asked locals to provide food when needed. “We do not kill or harm anyone unnecessarily,” he said.

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Witnesses said a local cleric, who was invited as the chief guest at the match, fled upon seeing the armed band. He later told reporters that the incident had occurred before his arrival.

Despite the group's assurances, residents remained deeply unsettled, recalling the grim memories of TTP dominance in Khyber district.