TTP at the toss: Terror walk on cricket pitch | The Express Tribune

LANDI KOTAL:

Panic spread among residents of Bara’s Akakhel area in Khyber tribal district after a group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists unexpectedly appeared at a local cricket match, only to deliver a message of reassurance rather than threat.

According to local sources, the TTP vehicle was seen passing near the village ground where dozens of spectators were watching a cricket match. On spotting the vehicle, many villagers fled the scene, fearing reprisals from the them, who once controlled large parts of the region.

However, to their surprise, the armed men stopped and addressed the crowd, asking them not to be afraid.

“You can play whatever game you want or engage in your political activities openly without any fear,” their leader reportedly told the gathered residents. “We do not interfere with the locals or their activities. We do not rob people or extort money.”

The leader went on to claim that the TTP’s image as a violent group was the result of “propaganda,” asserting that they only asked locals to provide food when needed. “We do not kill or harm anyone unnecessarily,” he said.

Witnesses said a local cleric, who was invited as the chief guest of the match, fled upon seeing the armed band. He later told reporters that the incident occurred before his arrival.

Despite the group assurances, residents remained deeply unsettled, recalling the grim memories of TTP dominance in Khyber district, when hundreds were killed, businesses were extorted, and families were forced to send their children for “jihad.”

The reappearance of armed terrorists, even under the guise of goodwill, has reignited fears of a possible resurgence of militancy in the region once scarred by years of conflict.

It may be recalled that in July 2023, three policemen and a civilian embraced martyrdom after two suicide bombers exploded in Bara.

According to the police, terrorists wearing police uniforms drove in a car to the Tehsil Offices Compound in Bara in Khyber and broke into the premises by cutting a barbed-wire fence.

As the intruders opened fire at the policemen on duty, two suicide attackers attempted to enter the premises through its main gate.

In retaliation, the security personnel present there open fire at the suicide attackers, killing both of them.

However, because of the firing from the security personnel, the explosives-laden vests of the suicide attackers exploded, which resulted in the collapse of a part of the building, the officials said.