By IRNA,
Islamabad : A Pakistani Taliban leader Wednesday announced his fighters would not target political and non-political personalities if they stop cooperation with army in their offensive against militants.
Militants have targeted political leaders from the ruling coalition in the restive Swat Valley in Pakistan’s Northwest Province for their backing to the military offensive.
Elected members from Swat Valley are reluctant to visit their home towns over security fears.
Maulana Fazalullah, Chief of Taliban in Swat spoke through his FM radio station and declared that ‘targeted killing’ will be halted if they did not continue further support to military actions.
Hundreds of people, mostly militants, have been killed in fighting in Swat where military are engaged in offensive against militants over a year.
“We have taken the decision after receiving information that the personalities regret their support to the military operation,” Fazalullah said in his secret FM station.
Several political leaders, their family members have been killed and their houses and property destroyed by the militants in Swat.
“Our central council has also decided to give assurance to the ministers and members of parliament if they accept the condition,” the militant leader said.
The security forces continued offensives in Swat on Wednesday and arrested 18 suspected militants in Kabbal area of Swat, the army said.
Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan denied the military’s claim and said that forces have destroyed six houses of the people.
Locals also confirmed destruction of several houses.
A woman was killed and a man injured when they came under a collapsed wall.