Militants find sanctuary in Swat
By Ikram Hoti
The News, May 1, 2007
ISLAMABAD: The Lal Masjid, Waziristan and Malakand episodes appear to form a triangle, as police in Swat indicate that Tanzeem-Nafaz-i-Sharia Movement (TNSM) is providing sanctuary to most militants from Waziristan and the Punjab.
Locals said militants from Waziristan are present in Swat in great numbers. There are reports that the region is fast becoming a source of manpower for terrorist activities and getting people motivated and involved in incidents like that of the Lal Masjid in Islamabad.
The reports indicated that Mardan was under focus of the elements involved in explosions at, at least, five places -- three CD-video shops, a girls school at Lunkhor and a barber saloon on Baghdada Road. Additionally, these elements have warned bank officials against wearing Western dresses -- shirts and pants.
On the wings of these developments, there are a number of worrisome events -- one being the attendance of more than 30,000 people at the Friday congregation at Imam Dheri -- the headquarters of Qazi Fazlullah, the son-in-law of the TNSM chief Soofi Mohammed and the head of the movement's militant wing.
However, talking to The News from Mingora, Police Superintendent Yameen Khan played down such reports. "I would rather say such stories should not be taken as true. The situation is not that bad as you people (print and electronic media) suggest."
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