Taliban claim 60 Khyber Agency abductees still in captivity

KHYBER AGENCY: There are contradictory reports regarding the release of abductees who were kidnapped from a hashish mela here on April 12.

The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) local commander, Abu Abdullah told Geo News that over 60 captives still remain in the custody of the outlawed group.

Giving reason for the abduction, Abu Abdulalh said the TTP had banned holding a grand fair and the violators were abducted for defying these orders.

Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah claimed yesterday that the terrorists had released most of the people who were abducted at Haider Kandao in Tirah Valley and only seven people were still in their captivity. Despite the Taliban’s claims the political agent still stands by his statement.

According to the political administration a Jirga has been constituted for the release of the abductees.

Security forces had launched an operation yesterday in the bordering areas of Khyber Agency and Orakzai Agency for the release of abductees in which several terrorists had sustained injuries.