Militants in Pakistan's troubled northwestern region have warned local tribesmen of dire consequences, including death, if they continue to cooperate with the security forces and asked them to stop indulging in "un-Islamic activities" like listening to music.
Handbills and pamphlets purportedly distributed in the local bazaar in Darra Adam Khel by the 'Islami Taliban' and 'Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan' warned people against cooperating with army and paramilitary personnel, Dawn has reported.
Locals who are in government service or working for law-enforcement agencies have been asked to quit their jobs and warned that they would be put to death if they did not do so.
Security forces launched an operation at Darra Adam Khel in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) on January 24 to flush out militants from the area. The troops have killed over 70 militants and destroyed torture cells, terrorist training camps and the headquarters of the militants during the operation.
The pamphlets said: "From today onwards, if anyone is found supporting the army or spying for it, he would be killed.
The tribal 'Khasadar' force should not escort security personnel during their movements in the area, warned a pamphlet.
"If anyone is found violating the Taliban directive, they will be considered as agents of the government and will be treated as traitors," the pamphlet read.
"The local Taliban would soon reintroduce the Islamic system and the people should avoid indulging in un-Islamic activities like listening to music, using dish antennas, gambling and kidnapping for ransom."
Another pamphlet asked local tribesmen serving in the army or the Frontier Corps to leave their jobs.
"The Taliban would soon return with the Shariah," it concluded.
Meanwhile, Kohat's district coordination officer Kamran Zeb has convened a 'jirga' or council of the six tribal clans living in Darra Adam Khel -- Bostikhel, Akhorwal, Sheraki, Zarghunkhel, Tor Chappar and Jawaki to discuss the situation in the wake of the military operation.
Government institutions like schools, colleges and banks have been closed for almost two weeks.
The security forces are still conducting search operations in Darra Adam Khel and have seized a sizable quantity of arms, ammunition and explosive materials, including mortars, 41 boxes containing bombs and 40 rockets.
The forces also demolished a house that was a base of the militants in Bostikhel area. There were also reports of the demolition of the home of a local militant commander in Sheraki area.
