Taliban raising funds to defeat Pak military in South Waziristan offensive India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Pakistan Taliban has launched a fund-raising campaign in many parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in order to fuel their fight against the Pakistani military, which started its ground offensive in South Waziristan on Saturday. According to the Dawn, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan is asking tribesmen in the Orakzai Agency, Kurram Agency and Hangu to donate generously because, they say, the conflict in South Waziristan is likely to be a long one. "They are demanding cash for weapons, food and medicines because it is going to be a long offensive," the paper quoted a local, as saying. Sources said that many politicians, businessmen, drug barons and jewellers in Kohat, Hangu, Thall, Kurram Agency, Darra Adamkhel and Bannu have been making periodic payments to the Taliban. "So, these donations are in addition to the money routinely and regularly extorted by the militants," he added. The Taliban reportedly collect 15 million rupees every year as 'jazia' tax from the Sikh community in Orakzai Agency. They also get a lot of money as ransom through kidnapping. Recently, a local trader was kidnapped by Taliban militants in Kohat-Hangu highway, and a ransom of 10 million rupees was demanded.