Ruthless tactics: Body of abducted prayer leader found

At time of kidnapping, locals suspected Mullah Younas was kidnapped over his suspected links with security forces.

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 13^th, 2014.