Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Pakistani Vigilantes Strike at Taliban

Desperate police encourage citizens to take actions

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 2, 2008 11:30 AM CST

(Newser) – As Pakistan’s overtaxed military and police forces wage a desperate battle against the Taliban, vigilantes are striking back at the militants on their own, the New York Times reports. Last August, citizens in a quiet farming valley hunted down and killed the Taliban fighters who murdered six policemen, lining up the bodies like trophies and capturing their work on video.

With their numbers dwindling, Pakistani police are encouraging the vigilantes, arming the 15,000 unpaid “special police.” “There is no other way,” explained one official, saying traditional military force would push people to “turn against the government.” The vigilantes hope to stave off civil war, which could displace thousands. “The people are more motivated than the police,” said a police chief.

Pakistani tribesmen gather for an operation against Islamic militants in troubled area of Daudzai near Peshawar, Pakistan.
Pakistani tribesmen gather for an operation against Islamic militants in troubled area of Daudzai near Peshawar, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
Pakistani tribesmen brandish their weapons before their patrol along with security forces in troubled area of Daudzai near Peshawar, Pakistan.
Pakistani tribesmen brandish their weapons before their patrol along with security forces in troubled area of Daudzai near Peshawar, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
Pakistani tribesmen brandish their weapons before their patrol along security forces in troubled area of Daudzai near Peshawar, Pakistan.
Pakistani tribesmen brandish their weapons before their patrol along security forces in troubled area of Daudzai near Peshawar, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

The people are very unified so the Taliban failed. We are dead set against the army, too. - Pakistani citizen

The people are more motivated than the police. - Local police chief

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Greatbear100
Nov 2, 2008 1:58 AM CST
This is an excellent idea to use the locals as vigilantes in combatting the Taliban and Alquida. Maybe the locals can drive the Talibam back across the border an into the US military's arms.

More Newser Stories

Pakistan Launches Strikes Against Taliban

Pakistan's New Leaders Balk at Giving US Free Rein

35 Dead in Suicide Bombing at Pakistan Funeral

As US Twists Arm, Pakistan Eyes Taliban Crackdown

Pakistan Drives Taliban From S. Waziristan


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne