Islamic law ushers in reign of terror in Pakistan's Swat valley

[IndianaGreen]

Islamic law ushers in reign of terror in Pakistan's Swat valley

By Saeed Shah | McClatchy Newspapers

MINGORA, Pakistan — Two weeks after the Pakistani government capitulated to Islamist demands and imposed Islamic law throughout the Swat valley, armed militants are patrolling the streets of the district capital and masked gunmen have taken control of outlying districts, where they're terrorizing residents and using intimidation to close girls' schools.

Along major roads in the onetime tourist destination about 100 miles north of the capital, Islamabad, Pakistani Taliban have set up checkpoints, while in the towns they've looted homes and stolen cars and vehicles belonging to charitable organizations, residents told McClatchy.

The Pakistani government has portrayed the deal that it struck with the militants in February, which President Asif Ali Zardari signed on April 13, as the means to re-establish the writ of the state. Residents and officials said, however that the Taliban appear to be in control and are pushing Swat toward becoming an independent extremist fiefdom.

"The Taliban have tasted power. They will not give that back," said one Mingora teacher, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation by the extremists. "They have committed so many atrocities since 2007 that they can't give up power, they would not be safe. People are just waiting for the day they can take revenge (on the Taliban)."

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/67289.html

[Old Hank]

1. Unfortunately for girls and women

Sharia law now reigns in the area.

Under this law women (girls mostly) cannot attend school or go on the street showing as little as their faces. It's sad.