‘Doomed’ dialogue: TTP faction demands rewriting of Constitution. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) appears to be increasingly divided over the issue of dialogue with the government. While the group’s central leadership says it’s amenable to negotiations, its Mohmand Agency chapter says talks with the government are doomed.
“We demand rewriting of Pakistan’s Constitution, while the military says any talks with militants must be within the ambit of the Constitution,” the chief of TTP Mohmand Agency chapter, Umar Khalid Khurasani, said in a statement on Friday. “We will not budge an inch from our demand. We will withdraw support from any Taliban commander who compromises on this demand,” he added.
However, euphemistically, he renewed his allegiance to TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud and denied any fissures within the group. “There are no rifts within the TTP.”
Khurasani claimed that the TTP maintains its presence across Pakistan and “our demands and agreement will be for the whole country”.
Referring to the recent upsurge in militant attacks, he said the TTP has not announced any truce because the group was not interested in meaningless talks.
Paradoxically, Khurasani, whose outfit has been blamed for most of the terror attacks in the country, complained about the ‘ill-treatment’ of Taliban prisoners by the security forces. “The treatment meted out to [our] prisoners in Pakistan is not only against Islamic teachings but also against all international laws and Geneva Conventions,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2013.
COMMENTS (25)
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Unlike our nation, TTP leadership has come to know that they can operate in the country unchallenged. Generally Army of the country deals with these groups, as we saw it in Sri Lanka. No real estate firm has ever conducted a military operation in the known history of mankind.
You cannot criticize TTP for demanding fair treatment of its prisoners and mention their alleged treatment. Because their is no treatment good or bad in their case. Just prompt execution which should have been done by us as well. Then the matter of treatment wont arise.
Demanding the rewriting the constitution is the right of the Pakistani people who elect them and send them in national assembly and parliament not yours TTP.Your set term and condition of rewriting the constitution for the continuity of peace talks is based on Pakistani people's desire....
My detail comments on this issue is not being published by Express Tribunal. If there is restriction on number of words the Tribune should inform commentators about it and should not decide randomly or arbitrarily to publish or not , especially when the comments are opinion based and do not violate sensitivities and do not vilify others.
@Burhan: That is unfair Burhan on the armed forces. In Swat once parliament authorised them five years ago to take action, the army did an amazingly good job in collaboration with the police forces and local citizens, who tired of being ill treated by taliban, lead them to their hideouts and tunnels full of arms. Only time will tell whether NS will too do the necessary, which given the mood of citizens of Pakistan, there seems a fairly good chance he too will take the same steps. And I add Inshallah!!!
TTP has opened its cards and stated a major condition of changing the constitution of the country before holding of the talks which makes them as a non-starter. However, it would be interesting to see the reaction of the PTI chief who is major advocate of these talks and opening of an office for them.
Pakistan shoul rewrite constitution and save itself. Majority of Pakistanis want it.
No one has IK phobia. His statements are unbearable now. He needs to think before he speaks. 1st grade lesson.
@lkhan: Its not IK, even NS and Army will not take action. Wait and See !!
@asim: Mr Asim, Imran is not ruling country. STOP bringing him in every scenario. I will see what Nawaz Shariff take a stance. You all guys have Imran Khan phobia
“The treatment meted out to [our] prisoners in Pakistan is not only against Islamic teachings but also against all international laws and Geneva Conventions”
Funny they bring out international law and Geneva conventions when it suits them!
Why blame the army alone. Our politicians are also a bunch of cowards. Where are the brave punjabis and pakhtoons who will seek revenge and redeem honour.
what? Their prisoners r not treated well? R u kidding me? What abt the innocent citizens of Pakistan which u kill on day basis....awww thats according to the teachings of Islam n Geneva convention.....great we got it now....
So negotiations have already created rift in TTP. It is necessary for Pakistan to start negotiations and thus categorize different groups of Taliban. Out of 30 odd groups, if majority are ready for negotiations, then i guess the minority group will lose it's ground automatically.
kill these animals
Langage problème has not been soleved yet guess what? English!!! English must be eliminated from everyday Life in Ir Pakistan
the taliban terrorist are becoming brave and bold.They have started to make unrealistic demands even before the peace talks - for they know they have an allies in imran and pti.The downfall of pakistan will not be the terrorist but pti!
Look who want human treatment for their friends in jail. Do they consider any human values while salughterring innocent people by bombs or while beheading army soldiers and civilians. Do they share any human sympathy when they are on killing spree. They are so bold because their apologists and sympathisers in pakistan are giving every justification tobtheir inhuman acts.
@Imran: Our Army is more than capable, we have pushed India back in 1965. TTP is not stronger than India, It is our politicial leadership like Khan who demoralizes it by saying "We cannot win this way even in 900 years"
Carve out a small section of the land and give it to them and let them rule themselves to their hearts content.
@Imran: The rulers themselves do not comply with constitution what about TTP ? Both are terrorists
There you are - the taliban are not interested in dialogue or a ceasefire - they want to establish their intolerant, murderous policies in the heart of government. PM and IK, wake up and see reality. The only route open to government is to take severe action against these cold blooded, ruthless killers of innocent lives. Their seminaries should be banned and followers pursued without further loss of time.
our Army never won a war against the enemy..only interested in real state...or business..
Our Army is not that valiant enough to counter them. Reason, threat of a civil,,,,,,,,Brave armys never call APC here and there. They just go and finish the enemies, but in our case, its a different story