New Delhi: The Taliban are stopping locals from fleeing Swat. "Apke khidmat ke liye baithe hain," is what they are telling residents trying to
get out of the picturesque valley in north-west Pakistan. Locals now fear the Taliban might use them as human shields.
Last week thousands escaped from Swat, once known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, before military operations against the Taliban began. But now, speaking on phone to TOI from Swat's main city Mingora and its neighbouring towns, locals say the Taliban's understated threats are forcing them to stay put.
A family's attempt to flee Bahrain, a town 60 km north of Mingora, on May 4 was thwarted by a young Taliban who stopped them at a checkpost saying they were there to take care of the residents. Bahrain-resident Aftab Ahmed says in the last two days there's been a sudden influx of Taliban men. The 10-15 militants who were 'around town' have now been joined by at least 100 more, says the 24-year-old petrol pump owner. They have a free run around the city, he says. "We can't understand how the Taliban can saunter around with an army post right around the corner," he wonders.
In Mingora, the army is not allowing people to move out anymore, says A G Vilayat who lives in Kanju township. Vilayat sent his wife and sons to Peshawar three days ago. "It wouldn't have been possible now," he says.
Ahmed's mother and sister have their bags packed, ready to leave at a moment's notice. The situation is particularly tough for women who are practically under house arrest. They are now forced to wear black 'shuttlecock' veils, the only ones allowed by the Taliban. No fashionable or coloured veil will do. It has to be the full cover one, says Vilayat.
"Any woman who steps out even for medicine fears being molested," says Swati academic Zubair Torwali, now in Islamabad. "Swat's gone to the dogs. Happily, I've fled," he says. "The militants are likely to use locals as human shields. They're not letting people get out after the first rush," he says.
Local criminals support the militants, says Ahmed. The timber mafia is with the Taliban. "Young people are joining them, some out of fear," adds Vilayat. Locals say 12 to 18-year-old boys move around with guns in Bahrain.
The militants having taken control of the road leading to Bahrain have led to a shortage of supplies, especially basic food items. Tea and sugar are already luxuries while prices of other food items have shot through the roof, says Ahmed. Telephone lines are the only link with the outside world. "The militants need mobiles too," says Ahmed.
Ahmed's petrol pump is out of stock. On Thursday morning, militants plundered two banks, stealing computers and cash, using forest department cars to make their way around. In the last couple of weeks, they staked control of government buildings and the police stations.
The change in personal appearance that the Taliban writ is forcing is also having its own repressive impact. "I haven't shaved in the last two months. I don't recognize myself. Swatis are clean-shaven. This is not us," says Vilayat with a dry hollow laughter. From shuttlecock veils to long beards, Swatis left in the valley say they are living each day as it comes.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Pakistan/Taliban-wont-let-residents-escape-battle-zone/articleshow/4497439.cmsMuch like the Muslim obsession with blowing up women and children going about their daily lives, it's only right that the Taliban bring everyone down with them. Dying alone isn't good enough!
