Taliban demand withdrawal of cases, military from Swat

Thursday February 19, 2009 (1756 PST)

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Taliban engaged in Swat presented their list of demands to Maulana Sufi Muhammad who held first round of talks with them here on Thursday.

The demands include release of detained Taliban, withdrawal of cases against them, implementation of Sharia law in Malakand agency and retreat of army troops from Swat, said the channel.

The first round of talk between the emissaries of Tehreek-e-Nifaz Shariat e Mohammadi (TNSM) chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad and Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat was held at an unknown location.

Maulana Muhammad Aalam, Amir Izzat, Maulana Samiullah and others represented the TNSM, while Maulana Fazalullah, Haji Muslim Khan, Maulana Shah Doran represented local Taliban in the talks.

The two sides discussed various issues related to durable peace in Swat region. The second round of talks will be held Friday.

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