The Hindu : International : Pakistan soldiers, foreign militants exchange fire

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 12, 2004

International

International

Pakistan soldiers, foreign militants exchange fire

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, JULY 11. The tribal areas in Pakistan bordering Afghanistan are in turmoil again as security forces, foreign militants and their protectors exchanged heavy fire for the second day in a row.

The Government is contemplating re-imposition of "economic blockade."

Political and diplomatic observers here are amazed at the staying power of the militants and a section of tribals giving them shelter as Pakistani security forces have been targeting them for over four months now. Pakistan has tried every trick in the book to persuade them to surrender.

Guarantees of amnesty, safe passage and allowing them to live in the area honourably if they are ready to register themselves have fallen on deaf ears.

Authorities tried to enlist the cooperation of jirga (assembly of the elders) several times in recent weeks to ensure an end to what is being dubbed one of the bloodiest operations in the history of the security forces. Each time authorities have claimed success, peace has been shattered.

Last week, the Prime Minister, Chaudhary Shujat Hussain, succeeded in getting the religious parties' consent on registration of the aliens.

These parties have considerable influence among the tribals. However, even their counsel was not sufficient to compel a section of tribal chiefs to fall in line.

There are no precise estimates of the number of foreign elements holed up there. In April, the President, Pervez Musharraf, said 400 to 500 militants had been engaged in the hit-and-run operations in neighbouring Afghanistan.

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