Author: PTI
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: June 29, 2009
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/185764/Taliban-ask-Pak-Hindus-to-pay-Rs-6-million-as-tax.html
An unidentified caller claiming to represent
the Taliban demanded Rs 6 million as "jiziya" from the minority
Hindu community of Battagram district in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province
on Sunday.
The caller made the demand during a phone
call to local Hindu leader Parkash. He asked Parkash, a doctor, to collect
Rs 6 million from the Hindus in Battagram and pay the amount to the Taliban.
According to media reports, the caller said
all minorities living in Battagram must pay "jiziya" or a tax levied
on non-Muslims.
Last month, some 35 Sikh families were forced
to leave their homes in the Aurakzai tribal region after they failed to pay
a jiziya of Rs 50 million demanded by the Taliban. The militants burnt their
houses and looted their shops.
Following the call, security agencies have
launched an inquiry to confirm the caller's identity.
District police chief Sohail Khalid said he
was unaware of the call. He said similar calls and threatening letters had
also been received by NGOs and other people in Battagram. In some cases, persons
had posed as the Taliban to settle "personal scores", Khalid said.
