Militants ban beard-shaving in Tirah Valley

By Tahir Khan

ISLAMABAD: Militants in Khyber tribal district have imposed certain restrictions on the people, including a ban on shaving beard, in the mountainous Tirah Valley and warned that violators would face “severe punishment”.

The posters were displayed and distributed in markets of Tirah Valley, bordering Afghanistan, which has witnessed a series of clashes between the security forces and militants in recent months.

The banned Lashkar-e-Islam issued a 6-point pamphlet in Pashto language on March 20, according to a local journalist Jawad Shinwari.

Shinwari said that armed militants were roaming in markets and were issuing warnings against the violations.

Officials have not commented on what is seen in a threatening paper titled “necessary instructions”.

“All kinds of fighting are prohibited in the blessed month of Ramadan. In case of violation, a three-day imprisonment in the forests would be awarded to violators,” according to the pamphlet.

The group also asked shopkeepers not to sell food items at high prices, and if proven, they will face fines.

“The barbers will not give you the wrong styles in trimming beards or haircuts. Young people should not ride motorcycles in an arrogant manner. There is a complete ban on immoral activities and use of ice drugs.”

The group asked the elders to keep an eye on their children otherwise they will not have the right to lodge any complaint.

In the pamphlet the people have been advised to take special care of the militants, travelers, widows, orphans and poor and Allah will surely reward them.

“If anyone beats, or robs you, or demands money on the name of the Mujahideen, then you should contact the brave Mujahideen,” the posters say. The militants call themselves as Mujahideen.

The group asked those who use computers not to put obscene material on memory cards and not to give memory cards to underage children. Violators would face several punishments, it added.

A local mobile number has also been for contact with the group.

The pamphlet has been issued by the Lashkar’s local commander Chamto Afridi.

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