Taliban talks offer rejected

ISLAMABAD �" Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik on Sunday rejected the offer for negotiations by Tehrik-i-Taliban saying it is possible only if they surrender weapons and stop terrorist activities.
Talking to media here, he said that the operation against miscreants will continue to establish writ of the government in tribal areas. However, he said that the government will support the tribes who have announced to fight against Taliban.
He said that 550 militants have so far been killed during the current operation and accepted that civilian causalities have also occurred.
To a question, he said that the investigation into the Wah suicide blasts will be brought before the media in next two days as the investigation into the incident has almost been completed.
Referring to the statements wherein Taliban had threaten to target various cities of the country, Malik said that by now the government has details of militants’ hideouts and whosoever tries to kill innocent people, will have to be dealt with strictly.
He also said that the government is serious in serving the affectees of Bajaur and Sawat operation and some 10000 tents along with food items have been sent to Dir region for 300,000 affectees.
He further disclosed that he has asked NGOs to work shoulder to shoulder with the government for the relief and rehabilitation of the displaced people. The mobile hospital facility will also be provided to them soon and the whole process will continue under the MNAs of the area, he added.
AFP adds: “We have directed our men to stop attacks against the government and security forces in Bajaur from today,” Maulvi Omar, spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, told AFP.
The decision has been taken following talks with tribal elders, he said in a telephone call from unknown location.
“The jirga (elders’ council) insisted that Taliban should stop fighting in the interest of the people of Bajaur.”
The jirga has “assured” that troops will also suspend shelling and bombing raids in the area, he said.
“We are ready for talks with the government and the truce is an important development towards dialogue,” Omar said.