Judiciary should deal with nabbed militants: Iftikhar
PESHAWAR: NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said the besieged militant leader, Maulana Fazlullah, is likely to be captured or killed within next few days as security forces are closing in on his hideout in Swat.
Speaking at a news conference at the Officers Mess here on Monday, the minister, who is also the provincial government spokesman, said that security forces had ringed the mountainous area from three sides where the militant leader had reportedly taken shelter. "Security forces are tightening the noose around the hideout of Fazlullah and hopefully he will be captured dead or alive in the next few days," he added.
About Muslim Khan, Mehmood and others arrested by security forces, the minister said they would be tried under the law for the crimes and killing of innocent people to which they had already confessed in the media and other forums. "There is no extra-judicial killing in Swat or elsewhere," he said, questioning as to why some religious parties and human rights organisations had not criticised the militants, who used to slaughter innocent people and security personnel in the public just a few months ago in Swat.
Mian Iftikhar said the political leadership, general public and security forces had won their war against the militants and now the courts (judiciary) should do their job of trying the arrested militants. "About 95 per cent of the area in the Malakand Division has been cleared of the militants," he said, adding there would be no general clemency for the militants, who surrendered or were arrested during the operation.
The provincial minister said about 200 militants had been arrested or had surrendered, including 40 teenage would-be suicide bombers, during the last two months. He said that besides security forces, the Awami National Party (ANP) workers had rendered great sacrifices for the restoration of peace in Malakand Division, where more than 200 ANP leaders and workers were killed at the hands of militants.
Judiciary should deal with nabbed militants: Iftikhar
