‘Haqqani network quietly shifted to Kurrum Agency: Shia-Sunni strife likely to grow’
Kahar ZalmayIn a recent report, scandalously ignored by Pakistani media outlets (1), journalist Kahar Zalmay has claimed that Haqqani network was quietly relocated to Parachinar, Kurrum Agency, ahead of Operation Zarb-e-Azb.Kahar Zalmay is a freelance journalist and has worked with Peshawar-based daily The Statesman and AVT Khyber TV. His investigative stories have appeared in The News, The Friday Times and the Daily Times. He can be followed on Twitter: @KZalmay
In an interview with Viewpoint, he elaborates the situation in the Kurrum Agency and possible implications, in the coming days, of relocating Haqqani network in the area. Read on:
In a recent report titled, ‘Haqqanis new home: Parachinar’ (1), you claim that Haqqani network has been relocated to the Kurrum Agency. What is the basis of your claim? Has any mainstream media outlet in Pakistan or abroad also reported it?
I have based my claim on the information provided by my sources on the ground; both in North Waziristan and Kurram Agency. In addition to that, being a tribal myself, I understand that it is not hard indeed to spot outsiders or strangers in the tribal areas. No media outlet in Pakistan or abroad has reported this development. Unfortunately, Pakistani media are content with the ISPR hand-outs.
According to your report, ‘some 8,000 Turi and Bangash tribesmen have been staging sit-ins against the government’s policies’ to anchor Haqqani network in the Kurrum Agency. Why are Turis and Bangash agitated?
Apparently they are protesting against the expulsion of a Paish Imam Agha Irfani and arrest of several of their elders. However, deep down the agitation is against the State policies of sheltering terrorists in their land. The Paish Imam, Agha Irfani, has for several years led the local resistance against the Taliban infiltration in Kurram Agency. The agitating tribes are apprehensive that the arrival of Sunni Haqqanis can trigger a sectarian conflict resulting in serious consequences both in terms of human cost and law and order.
You have reported that The protester’s demands also include the release of some 100 elders who were put in prison under the dreaded Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) when they protested against the local administration facilitating the relocation of militant groups. Who are the people arrested? Are they Maliks? Political activists? Under the FCR, do they have any recourse to justice?
They are mostly Maliks and elders. Though the Political Parties Order was extended to FATA ahead of the general elections in 2013 yet political activism has not taken roots. They have been arrested under the FCR to inflict collective punishment and they have no recourse to justice. They are waiting for the Political Agent to release them.
Kurrum Agency has a Shia majority. Do you think by relocating Haqaanis to the Kurrum Agency, establishment has created a situation whereby sectarian strife will be inevitable and such clashes will be more frequent?
Yes, I think it will create more sectarian tensions and bring players from sectarian groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi to the Agency once Haqqanis find a foothold in the areas carved out for them by the establishment.
FATA remains no-go area for journalists. Do you see a link between the policy of ‘strategic depth’ [which also entails anchoring Afghan assets in FATA] and turning FATA into no-go areas?
This is quite obvious. Access to these areas by Journalists will expose the double game our military has been playing in the tribal belt. This new development of relocating Haqqanis, in the vicinity of Afghanistan, has translated into rapid increase of attacks in Afghanistan. This is yet another indication that the mindset of strategic depth still exist.
Have your report been contradicted by officials? Or have they contacted you in any way?
I have neither been contradicted by officials nor contacted by any means.
Notes:
1. Save a reluctant editorial in the Express Tribune: http://tribune.com.pk/story/745289/trouble-in-parachinar/
2. Read the report here: http://project-pakistan.com/haqqnis-new-home-parachinar/