The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Wednesday threatened the owners of CD shops and Internet cafés in Rashakai area to either switch their businesses or face consequences.
In pamphlets distributed and pasted in local markets including the Fazal-e-Rabi market, an outfit called ‘Tehrik-i-Taliban Mujahid Tehrik’ ordered closure of net cafes and CD/music stores.
The text stated that this was the last warning for the closure of net cafés and CD shops, adding that any damages incurred by not following the orders would be the sole responsibility of the shop owners.
The handbills and letters have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the area, with a number of CD shops and net café owners quietly closing down their businesses.
Locals have alleged that the police were privy to the situation in the area and have asked them to stay tight-lipped and follow Talibans’ orders.
It must be noted that earlier this month, in the locality of Shireen Kothay, an explosive device was set outside a CD shop and net café in Fazal Market. In the resultant explosion, 18 shops were badly damaged including a book store.
Meanwhile, the police in the area have denied that handbills were distributed or pasted in the markets and neither did the police order anyone to close their business in the area.