The banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Friday alleged that security forces have launched a massive offensive in South Waziristan Agency (SWA).
In a statement issued from an undisclosed location, TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said the Taliban would not back out from the peace talks. He, however, said threats and war along with talks would not be accepted. Under the circumstances, he added, it has become difficult to ascertain that with whom the talks should be held – with government or army.
Shahid said the Taliban were capable of tackling any situation. He alleged that missing persons and their families were being tortured in secret detention cells. He said serious and result-oriented talks could not be held under these circumstances.
Shahid said the Taliban had announced the ceasefire in the larger interest of the people but the government showed no seriousness. The TTP spokesman said fulfillment of their demands was still a far cry and activities of security forces against the Taliban have also been enhanced.
He said the Taliban wanted to make it clear that the war and talks could not go together and the Taliban were not solely responsible for maintaining peace.
Separately, TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah replaced Khan Said Sajna with Umar Khurasani as the South Waziristan head. Khurasani has also been given the additional charge of North Waziristan.
Hakeemullah Mehsud group spokesman Daud Mehsud told a private TV channel that TTP deputy chief Khalid Haqqani has been made the South Waziristan chief.
He said that they honour the decisions taken by Fazlullah.
Meanwhile, a curfew has been imposed for an indefinite period in North Waziristan.
Educational and commercial centres along with government offices in North Wazristan will remain closed. Roads have been closed for all kinds of traffic. Security forces launched a search operation in the region and arrested 55 suspects, sources said.
Nine security personnel were killed in an explosion on Thursday.