Hoti refuses to give amnesty to militants

[Zahid Buneray]

PESHAWAR: NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti says government will not behave like a silent spectator on terrorists’ attacks at state buildings and security forces.

He said terrorists would not be given amnesty even if they agreed to lay down their arms.

Talking to Geo News, Hoti said NWFP government should not be blamed for failure of talks in Swat and put the responsibility on Taliban for scrapping of peace agreement.

“If extremists will carry out attacks on security forces, schools and state buildings, how, government can sit silent on this situation, he questioned. Army has been called to stop such attacks, said Hoti.

Answering a question, he said extremists would not be given general amnesty even if they lay down their arms. However, he said people involved in small crimes could be spared.

The chief minister further said his government was still committed to its philosophy of non-violence but whole province can not be handed over to Taliban. “There is presence of foreign Taliban in tribal areas, he said, adding they were responsible for poor law and order situation.

About NWFP governor, Hoti said Owais Ghani is the best person as governor and his government wants to retain him.

He further suggested that all parties should unanimously name the next president.

The News

[MehsudPashtun]

PESHAWAR: NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti says government will not behave like a silent spectator on terrorists’ attacks at state buildings and security forces.

He said terrorists would not be given amnesty even if they agreed to lay down their arms.

Talking to Geo News, Hoti said NWFP government should not be blamed for failure of talks in Swat and put the responsibility on Taliban for scrapping of peace agreement.

“If extremists will carry out attacks on security forces, schools and state buildings, how, government can sit silent on this situation, he questioned. Army has been called to stop such attacks, said Hoti.

Answering a question, he said extremists would not be given general amnesty even if they lay down their arms. However, he said people involved in small crimes could be spared.

The chief minister further said his government was still committed to its philosophy of non-violence but whole province can not be handed over to Taliban. “There is presence of foreign Taliban in tribal areas, he said, adding they were responsible for poor law and order situation.

About NWFP governor, Hoti said Owais Ghani is the best person as governor and his government wants to retain him.

He further suggested that all parties should unanimously name the next president.

The News

Its truely sad that the Punjabis place the ANP into governance at such a drastic time,in reality if the ANP was placed into power during the 80's when these extremists had a low number of supporters than we wouldnt be in this situation as we are today.