In a major crackdown targeting alleged “good Taliban” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, police detained over a dozen armed suspects on Wednesday. This operation coincides with the provincial apex committee’s scheduled meeting today (Thursday) to address the demands presented by a 40-member jirga.
The crackdown follows a five-day-long sit-in protest in Bannu, where demonstrators have been calling for peace and decisive action against armed groups. The police operation commenced after sub-divisional police officers and station house officers received authorization to target armed individuals in their areas.
According to a police official, the operation involved raids on three locations in the southern district, resulting in the arrest of 17 suspects. Authorities seized arms and ammunition and impounded vehicles during the raids. The suspects, along with their weapons and vehicles, have been taken to local police stations for further interrogation.
The official noted that efforts are underway to identify the arrested individuals and assess their potential involvement in terrorism or subversive activities. Investigations are also focused on understanding their motives for being in the area.
The operation, which deployed a substantial police force, including armored personnel carriers (APCs) and Elite Force commandos, successfully dismantled several armed suspects’ hideouts. A video circulating on social media depicted the police apprehending suspects and escorting them to police vans, while local residents showed support for the law enforcement actions.
The police action came in response to a 16-point demand list presented by the Bannu Aman Jirga to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in Peshawar. The jirga’s demands included dismantling centers of surrendered Taliban fighters, eliminating their patrols and pickets, and granting the police greater authority to combat terrorism.
In the meantime, the sit-in protest led by former tehsil nazims Fida Muhammad Khan and Engineer Malik Ihsan, along with other local leaders, entered its fifth day. Protesters are gathered at Maulana Abdul Sattar Shah Chowk in Bannu city. The district health department has set up a free medical camp at the protest site, and Rescue 1122 personnel are providing medical and other services.
Bannu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nasir Bangash emphasized that the sit-in would continue until Friday (tomorrow), when Chief Minister Gandapur is expected to visit the district.
Today’s provincial apex committee meeting will address the 16-point demands of the Bannu Aman Jirga and review the province’s security situation. Five members of the jirga are also set to attend the meeting.
