TTP spokesman, Commander deny reports of talks with govt

TTP spokesman, Commander deny reports of talks with govt
-- US administration keenly looking into reports of Pak-TTP talks

Saleem Mehsud

PESHAWAR, Dec 11 : Denying the reports that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was in talks with the government of Pakistan to conclude peace deal in the tribal areas, both spokesman for Pakistani Taliban and another commander of TTP (Bajaur chapter) on Sunday rejected the media reports, saying that until enforcement of Sharia in the entire country talks with the government of Pakistan were impossible.

Talking to foreign media TTP spokesman Eshanullah Eshan rejected the claims made by Maulvi Faqir, saying that TTP was not in talks with the government.

He also denied the reports made by some unnamed officials and commanders that Taliban were negotiating peace deal with the government, saying that such reports were not valid rather baseless.

Meanwhile, Maulana Daduallah also rejected the claim of Taliban’s talks with the government, saying that Maulvi Faqir was contacting the government in personal capacity.

Earlier, talking to the BBC from undisclosed location, Dadullah termed TTP leader Maulvi Faqir claim about the talks as his personal act, saying the TTP has not initiated any talks with the government. “Maulvi Faqir was holding talks with government individually,” the commander said.

Maulvi Faqir, is deputy TTP chief and an important commander of Bajaur based Taliban, Saturday confirmed talks with the government. He has also noted progress in the talks, which resulted into the release of 145 Taliban prisoners and a ceasefire by the Taliban.

While, Maulana Dadullah, claiming to be chief of TTP Bajaur, said that TTP as a whole did not believe in talks with Pakistani government until Sharia is implemented.

“I am personally against talks with Pakistan, war with the government of Pakistan will continue till the enforcement of Sharia in the entire country,” the commander reiterated.

Commenting on the conflicting statements, Rahimullah Yousafzai, Afghan affairs expert, said that apparently it was revealed that TTP has been divided into groups in Bajaur and Dadullah was claiming to be the chief of TTP Amarat in Bajaur. He further said that some of the Taliban factions were contacted for talks by the government but government has not directly talked to them rather tribal elders and Ulema had played role of interlocution.

“According to my view Taliban were contacted for talks both in Bajaur and in South Waziristan but yet no progress has been made,” Rahimullah said.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported that there was a strong internal grouping in the TTP’s ranks, with Mullah Dadullah being one of strong contenders for his personal fiefdom of Pakistan chapter.

Dadullah’s denial highlighted the possibility of some factions within the TTP. Sources said the TTP may be in contact with the government through elders of tribal areas, but Pakistani government might have refused any direct talks with them.

On the other hand, after reports emerged of peace negotiations between the Pakistani Taliban and Pakistan government, the US said that they would not like to see recent gains made by the Pakistani military against the TTP to be lost.

White House spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on Saturday said that the White House had seen reports of the TTP entering into negotiations with Pakistan, however, she added, they “do not appear definitive at this point.”