Operation to continue till achievement of objectives
'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau

ISLAMABAD: Reaffirming continuation of operation till achievement of objective, Ministry of Interior has banned three groups active in tribal areas for their involvement in criminal activities.

“Lashkar-e-lslam of Mangal Bagh, Ansar-ul-lslam of Mahboob-ul-Haque and Haji Namdar Group have been banned under Anti-Terrorist Act, and notification in this respect has been issued,” the sources at Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The sources said that operation had the support of local tribes and was going well with sufficient achievements.

“The operation is being conducted with full ownership of the civil government and with full support of local tribes, respecting their sensitivities and redressing their insecurity, just to re-establish writ of the government,” the sources added.

“The operation is also progressing well and the basic purpose has been achieved with minimum damage and without any collateral losses,” the sources added, reaffirming continuation of the operation till desired objectives are achieved.

The sources referred certain achievements like demolishing hideouts, recovery of ammunition and arrest of outlaws under operation Sirat-e-Mustaqeem started Saturday.

Giving details of the objective achieved so far, the sources mentioned to forced occupation of Gandao, an important den of Mangal Bagh and his supporters and clearing and demolishing of Mangal Bagh Headquarters (Lashkar-e-lslam) and Shalober Centre where around 150 to 200 supporters of Mangal Bagh Group always remained present especially in the morning till afternoon.

Afridi Centre, a private jail where normally around 20 to 25 miscreants of Mangal Bagh remained present but in case of any special event about 300 to 400, followers would gather there and Kohi Centre where around 100 to 150 supporters of Mangal Bagh Group always remained present, were also cleared and demolished on the first day of operation.

On Sunday, the forces demolished Mehboob Headquarters, the stronghold of Ansar-ul-lslam, Akka Khel Centre where 20 to 25 supporters of Mangal Bagh remained present but in case of a Jirga, strength increased to about 200 to 250, Misri Centre, Pir House, and Mufti Munir Shakir Centre.

Moreover, Tayyab Centre where during night miscreants in varying numbers used to be present and Slpah Centre where Mostly Mangal Bagh used to live at this centre with 300-400 of his followers, were demolished.

A Static FM radio station was also being operated from this location.

Giving miscellaneous details on casualties and injured, the sources said, one criminal was killed in exchange of fire and one soldier was injured as one criminal was apprehended.

These sources said, two SMGs, FM Transmitter, 75 bags of wheat flour and one generator and other administrative stores were also recovered during operation.

Security forces also busted a private jail consisting of eight cells where people kidnapped for ransom were kept in this private. Certain documents and receipts were also recovered showing capture and release of detainees.

Justifying the operation, the sources mentioned to insecurity prevailing in the settled areas adjoining FATA particularly Peshawar due to increased criminal activities.

Bara area, for being sanctuary of criminal activists had virtually paralyzed civil administration with its writ diminishing as the local population was also supporting the criminal groups due to fear.

Mangal Bagh, Haji Namdar and Mehboob-ul-Haque are the main groups operating in Bara. Mangal Bagh is presently engaged in fight with Ansar-ul-lslam group in Tirah valley and has suffered heavy casualties.

On night of June 21-22, Mangal Bagh abducted 17 Christians from settled area of Pishtakhara in suburbs of Peshawar, thus directly threatening Provincial Capital.

This perilous situation had necessitated an operation against these criminal gangs. Hence an operation code named “Sirat-e-Mustaqaem” was launched on morning of June 28 in Khyber Agency by Frontier Corps without any involvement of the Army.

About parameters of the operation, the sources said, its focus is to extend perimeter of security around Peshawar with limited objectives, it is directed against criminals and Anti-social elements operating in the area and is carried out using adequate force exercising maximum restraint and minimum collateral damage.

The buildup of forces was completed on June 24 with sealing off the boundary between Bara and Peshawar by establishing 11 strong blocks on all entry/exit points to seal off Bara Tehsil.

Operation started at 0600 hours on June 28 and two task forces commanded by a Brigadier concentrated at Shakas and Fort Salop along with a representative of Political Administration while arrest of known criminals is being ensured on availability of credible intelligence information. ●