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Fissures seem to have become apparent in the ranks of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) over peace talks with the government. While the umbrella group of TTP had set pre-condition for initiation of dialogues, one of its faction has shown willingness to hold unconditional talks with the government. Express Tribune has reported that Punjabi Taliban commander Asmatullah Muavia has expressed his group’s willingness to hold unconditional talks with the government, adding that they would present a clear stance on the proposed dialogue within the next three days.
The preconditions set by TTP included withdrawal of army from the areas where TTP safe haven are located, enforcement of Sharia rule in the country and massive changes in Pakistan’s foreign policy. These preconditions meant total surrender of the State before initiation of dialogue. To pressurize the government to accept their demands, the TTP terrorists launched massive attacks in the last few days killing scores of innocent civilians. This time around, TTP did not claim responsibility to escape public backlash.
The TTP itself is desperate for the talks as it is under immense pressure from Pakistan army’s operations in Pakistan’s restive tribal agencies and US drone strikes. It wants a cease-fire so that it can regroup and strengthen its positions. The cease-fire from army has also been supported by pro-TTP clergy as reported across Pakistani media today. Apart from the clergy, the TTP terrorists have a supporter in Imran Khan who is very vocal about giving them the legitimacy of a sovereign power.
Muavia, the commander of Punjabi Taliban was expelled by TTP in August when he welcomed the government’s dialogue offer. He insisted, however, that he headed a separate faction altogether. On September 9, the federal government had decided to hold talks with homegrown militants to end the decade-long conflict at the all parties’ conference in Islamabad. However, this decision was questioned after Peshawar suffered three major terrorist attacks last week. There are nearly 70 factions under TTP and there is a remote possibility that all these groups would support dialogue with the government. Punjabi Taliban have announced unconditional dialogue which shows that the fissures in TTP ranks are in the offing.
Pakistan's olive branch to terrorists may disintegrate TTP
The preconditions set by TTP included withdrawal of army from the areas where TTP safe haven are located, enforcement of Sharia rule in the country and massive changes in Pakistan’s foreign policy. These preconditions meant total surrender of the State before initiation of dialogue. To pressurize the government to accept their demands, the TTP terrorists launched massive attacks in the last few days killing scores of innocent civilians. This time around, TTP did not claim responsibility to escape public backlash.
The TTP itself is desperate for the talks as it is under immense pressure from Pakistan army’s operations in Pakistan’s restive tribal agencies and US drone strikes. It wants a cease-fire so that it can regroup and strengthen its positions. The cease-fire from army has also been supported by pro-TTP clergy as reported across Pakistani media today. Apart from the clergy, the TTP terrorists have a supporter in Imran Khan who is very vocal about giving them the legitimacy of a sovereign power.
Muavia, the commander of Punjabi Taliban was expelled by TTP in August when he welcomed the government’s dialogue offer. He insisted, however, that he headed a separate faction altogether. On September 9, the federal government had decided to hold talks with homegrown militants to end the decade-long conflict at the all parties’ conference in Islamabad. However, this decision was questioned after Peshawar suffered three major terrorist attacks last week. There are nearly 70 factions under TTP and there is a remote possibility that all these groups would support dialogue with the government. Punjabi Taliban have announced unconditional dialogue which shows that the fissures in TTP ranks are in the offing.
Pakistan's olive branch to terrorists may disintegrate TTP
