At time of kidnapping, locals suspected Mullah Younas was kidnapped over his suspected links with security forces. PHOTO: FILE
PESHAWAR:
The beheaded body of a prayer leader and schoolteacher, who was kidnapped a week ago from a mosque in Bazargai, Frontier Region (FR) Peshawar, was recovered from Zayri area of Jina Kor.
Local elders told The Express Tribune Mullah Younas had close ties with militants in the past but closed that chapter when he was arrested by security forces. He was later released after months in custody. At the time of the kidnapping, locals had suspected Younas was kidnapped over his suspected links with security forces.
“He was killed on Friday night and his body was found in Zayari with a note stating no one should remove the body till 8am today (Saturday),” said an elder, adding the severed head had been placed on the deceased’s chest to give a brutal message.
After the kidnapping last week, residents had said Younas taught at the local government school and was from the Zaka Khel sub-clan of the Hassan Khel Afridi tribe.
Most people, who can afford to do so, have left FR Peshawar for the settled areas and other provinces. After the incident, PAF jets bombed hideouts of militants in Kar Darra area of Hassan Khel. Locals said bombers targeted suspected militant positions in the mountains which are known to be used as militant bases.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2014.
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don't rule out iranian regime, it has dirty tricks
It takes extreme cruel minds, minds that are polluted beyond anyone's imagination, to behead someone and place his severed head on chest. What will be the future of this country when it will be handed over to the talibans, which is the way the government is moving. It is not that difficult to wipe out the talibans and it can be done in weeks if only the people show determination. If the talibans are really a small group then it is definitely possible to wipe them out with public support. It may not be possible only if most of the population are supporting the talibans, in which case there is no future for this country. The army had taken over the country when there were no internal threats from terrorists but this is the time they should do it. They have always had wrong strategies and acted unwisely. The political parties that are supporting talks and negotiations with the talibans do not realize that they shall become targets of talibans one day soon, just like this prayer leader, who at one time had close contacts with the terrorists. When that time comes and they ask the army to wipe out the terrorists, the demoralized and weakened army may not in a position to do so.
Negotiations.... with the barbaric lot - please wake up before it is too late!