Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Maulana Dadullah has denied reports of talks with the government.
Talking to BBC from an disclosed location, Dadullah termed TTP leader Maulvi Faqir’s claim about the talks as his personal act, saying the TTP has not initiated any talks with the government.
Maulvi Faqir, the deputy TTP chief and an important commander of Bajaur-based Taliban, yesterday confirmed talks with the government. He has also noted progress in the talks, which resulted into the release of 145 Taliban prisoners and a ceasefire by the Taliban.
Maulana Dadullah said that TTP as a whole did not believe in talks with Pakistani government until Shariah is implemented.
Meanwhile, BBC has reported that there is a strong internal grouping in the TTP’s ranks, with Mullah Dadullah being one of strong contenders for his personal fiefdom of Pakistan chapter.
Dadullah’s denial has highlighted the possibility of some factions within the TTP.