Date:26/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/26/stories/2008062655651400.htm

International

Taliban kills 28 tribal leaders

Islamabad: The Pakistani Taliban has executed at least 28 tribal elders of a pro-government peace committee abducted two days ago from NWFP.

Members of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, led by Baitullah Mehsud, kidnapped 30 members of the peace committee, formed to quell unrest in the region, two days ago from Kariwam and Jandola in Tank district.

The abducted men, all members of the Bhittani tribe, were taken to adjacent South Waziristan tribal region, a stronghold of Baitullah Mehsud, and held hostage by the Taliban on charges of helping the security forces.

Officials said 22 bodies had been found but elders of the Bhittani tribe claimed 28 bodies had been recovered. — PTI