TTP seek prisoner release, army withdrawal from FATA

The News September 15, 2013 - Updated 1632 PKT PESHAWAR: The proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has demanded the release of prisoners and the withdrawal of Pakistan Army from FATA before it can begin talks with the government. Talking to Geo News anchor and senior journalist, Saleem Safi, TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said the militant outfit held a meeting of its Shura (decision making body) to consider Islamabad’s offer of talks. The TTP spokesman the government had not made any formal contact with the militants so far, adding that the militant organisation had been betrayed in the past following talks and was wary of entering into an agreement. The TTP also claimed responsibility for the Lower Dir blast in which three Pakistan Army officers including a Major General and Lt. Colonel were killed. The spokesman said that attack was carried out by the Swat chapter of the Taliban.