Militants kill mosque cleric for resisting 'terrorist value' preaching

Cleric resisted attempts by militants to preach terrorist values and use the mosque to find new recruits.


Iftikhar Firdous November 19, 2011
Militants kill mosque cleric for resisting 'terrorist value' preaching

NOWSHERA: A mosque cleric was shot dead by militants in Nowshera District, after resisting their attempts to preach terrorism in his mosque Police said.

Obaidullah Ustad, imam of the Shaidu village mosque in Nowshera had earlier stopped militants from preaching "terrorist values" at the mosque. "It was because of this resistance that the militants returned later in the evening and shot him inside the mosque" District Police Officer (DPO)Muhammad Hussein said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

Obaidullah was severely injured and rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries hospital authorities said. Sources said that the militants wanted to have access to the mosque and use it as a base to find new recruits. The militants reportedly belonged to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Nowshera and its surrounding area have been the hub of militant activities in the recent past. On October 28, a suicide bomber claimed the life of two police officers as he attempted to target Ajmir Shah, the SHO who had started a massive operation against militants in the area.

COMMENTS (10)

US Centcom | 13 years ago | Reply

How can we forget when these same terrorist organizations used to claim that they were only fighting to defend their religion? Today, the reality is showing us their true face. Their double game has been exposed, and we are all seeing the lengths to which these terrorists will go to enforce their evil ideology. How do you kill someone who refuses to allow religion to be played as a weapon? Only those who are dead set on destroying our nations would go to the extreme of manipulating people with religion.

TTP’s long list of crimes leaves very little to ponder regarding their motives, but the killing of the mosque cleric presents us with a new low. These terrorists are only concerned with achieving their evil agenda and in the process will kill anyone who dares stand against their beliefs. The time has come for us to stand united and support our governments in bringing justice to the thousands who have already fallen prey to their atrocities. Our unity needs to prove that we will not turn a blind eye to the obvious enemies of the nation. Incidents like these are a strong proof and reminder to those who like to avoid the obvious and instead indulge in conspiracy theories.

Our condolences go to the family and friends of this brave cleric, who refused to bow down to their evil ways. His bravery inspires us to continue our mission against terrorism.

bigsaf | 13 years ago | Reply

You're right, Faction, unfortunately the prejudiced and ignorant Taliban extremist sympathizers are shameless and hypocritical, not to mention a bit unhinged too.

Sorry for your family's loss, Fazallullah Hakeem. The Imam sounded like a true hero and a Shaheed who stood up against the terrorist Kharjite gangsters from spreading their hate venom and twisted religious poison.

Should be a system in place where authorities get notified or act after hearing about such first contacts at the mosques to avoid later ambush attack.

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