By Hamza Ameer Kabul, December 13, 2013 : .The Afghan Taliban are currently running the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
After Tehreek-etaliban Pakistan chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud claimed that Afghan Taliban is a part of the IEA and TTP was operating under an IEA larger umbrella, the Taliban’s statements are now being made.
Noor Wali mehsud, who is shown addressing TTP fighters in video, stated that “Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan” is a branch of Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan.
The spokesperson for the IEA said, however, that TTP was not part of the program.
Zabihullah mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban, stated that they are not part of IEA as an organisation and do not have the same goals.
We advise TTP that they focus their efforts on stability and peace in Pakistan.They must do this to prevent potential enemies from interfering in their region or in Pakistan.We ask Pakistan to consider our demands in order for Pakistan and the region to prosper.”
Mujahid called the TTP Pakistan internal issue and stated that IEA had maintained it would “not interfere in any country’s affairs”.
He said, “We don’t interfere in Pakistan’s affairs.”
TTP was not acknowledged by the IEA at the time it had been able to mediate talks between Pakistan and TTP, leading to the one-month ceasefire.
The Afghan Taliban mediated the November ceasefire, which was then ratified by the TTP.
As per the agreement between TTP and the Pakistan government, both sides accepted that the IEA would play the role of a mediator and that both sides would form a five-member committees each, which would discuss the future course of action and demands under the supervision of the IEA as the mediator.
The ceasefire agreement, that stayed on from November 1 to 30, included consent to release of at least 102 imprisoned militants of the TTP, who would be handed over to the TTP through the IEA.
But TTP claims that the Pakistan government failed to implement the decisions reached and opted to conduct raids, detaining and killing TTP militants.
“Under the circumstances, it is not possible to extend the ceasefire,” read a statement issued by the TTP.
While the IEA has distanced itself from TTP, it is a known fact that TTP has been an umbrella branch of the Afghan Taliban and has operated under the same in the country.
IEA decision to distance itself from TTP may be taken as a big blow to the TTP as Pakistan may launch a major offensive against the group.
On the other hand, IEA facilitation of previous talks may continue to try and engage with both parties through back channels and help them silently in reaching another agreement, without officially owning up to the group.
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