PESHAWAR – In the wake of Zakhakhel Afridi tribesmen’s revolt, Lashkar-e-Islam chief Mangal Bagh has lost his influence in the inaccessible Tirah Valley of the Khyber Agency and has escaped to Afghanistan along with his loyalists.
Leader of another militant group, Ansar Ul Islam Haji Akhunzada told reporters on Sunday, “Mangal Bagh has shifted to Nazieyan Shinwari area of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. He is living with Amin Shah Shinwari.” Akhunzada said that Mangal Bagh was making contact with Afghanistan’s secret agencies, which he said “is contrary Pakistan’s interests.”
Tribesmen have confirmed the escape of Mangal Bagh into Afghanistan but no one has confirmed his living with an elder of Shinwari tribe or entering into links with Afghanistan secret agencies. Mangal Bagh’s radio is silent for the last several days whereas his right-hand man Misri has already reached Kabul and has purchased a house.
Akhunzada said Zakhakhel tribesmen had succeeded in getting occupation of Mangal Bagh’s compounds and dins but certain LI compounds are still operating with help of tribes from Sipah and Akakhel clans of Afridi tribe. In this respect, he urged Afridi tribesmen to terminate links with Lashkar-e-Islam.
In response to a question, Akhunzada Afridi said, “We have no intentions to establish a parallel administration like of Mangal Bagh. We are here for return of peace, socio-business activities and the reopening of educational institutions in the area.”
It may be mentioned here that Lashkar Islami emerged as a notorious terrorist group some six years back when its gun-totting fugitives forced Pir Saif Ur Rehman to leave Bara area. After departure of Pir Saif Ur Rehman, the Lashkar became more powerful and also got involved in kidnappings for ransom and assassinations.
A couple of months ago, the Lashkar provoked the Zakhakhel tribesmen by executing a religious figure Maulvi Hasham. The Zakhakhel tribe entered into an understanding with Ansar Ul Islam and made life hard for Lashkar, particularly for its chief Mangal Bagh. Before Maulana Hasham, Jamaat Islami’s Abdul Wadood Afridi and another respectable figure Maulana Mustamin have also been executed by Mangal Bagh.
However, kith and kin’s of both Abdul Wadood Afridi and Maulana Mustamin remain silent.
