Pact on release of non-combatants, ceasefire extension: TTP

HANGU: Spokesman of the proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Wednesday said that today’s maiden round of talks between the government negotiation committee and the members of Taliban central Shura were held in a pleasant atmosphere. In a statement TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said that an agreement has been reached on release of non-combatant detainees and extension in ceasefire. However, he demanded of the government to discontinue the patrolling conducted by the army troops in Waziristan on weekly basis with a view to allow free movement in the area. Earlier today, the government negotiation committee and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) central Shura held the first round of direct talks at a secret location in North Waziristan. The earlier reports said that the TTP Shura assured the government committee that the ceasefire would remain in place throughout the dialogue process and sought a prisoner exchange with the government.