Kidwaibhai
Mr. Farhat Taj article too is based on fallacies and misrepresentation of facts.
More than 90% of the British Indian colonial army engaging the Faqir of Ipi were Desis, great majority being Muslims. From 1933 onwards most of the RIAF squadrons too had Indian pilots. FC too was a tribal Muslim paramilitary force, actively taking part in action. Senior officers were mostly brits, pretty very well versed with the tribal sensibilities and exhibited a certain degree of fairness. British Indian Army hospitals frequently treated injuries sustained by Tribal people as result of operations, without too much scrutiny whether they were good guys or bad guys.
The main difference is that the Garrison Commanders in Razmak and Wana were empowered to start, stop or adjust the operations; the main purpose was to keep the communications open and area generally tranquil. Punitive raids were launched with some degree of discretion.
On other hand our Army operation looks like a full scale assault to dominate the area and subjugate the people. Colonial administrators of today, namely the US, are calling the shots. Colonial forward area policies of early 20th century are being implemented with modern weapon systems. RAF has been replaced by the US drones and PAF, but casualties are higher. Tribal population was displaced at that time as well, but never on a scale as seen today.
To some extent at least, our former Colonial masters were fair as compared to our Kala Angrez mentality.