Pakistani Taliban Deny Links With “Jundullah”

Islamabad, Feb 6, IRNA – Pakistani Taliban Wednesday denied any links with the banned “Jundullah” , a militant group that now routinely claims responsibility for attacks on security forces and Shiite Muslims. Jundullah claimed responsibility for hand grenade attacks on a cinema house in Peshawar on Sunday. At least five people were killed and over 30 more injured in the attack. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid, distanced his group from Jundullah following the recent attacks at a time when the government and the Taliban are set to open peace talks. It was reported earlier that Judullah was affiliated with the TTP, however the group denied any links as the recent wave of attacks created doubts about the possible talks. “We want to make it clear that Jundullah is not affiliated with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan,” the TTP spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement. A purported spokesman for the group, Ahmad Marwat, routinely claims responsibility for attacks. “There is no person with the name of Ahmed Marwat in the ranks of Mujahideen,” the TTP spokesman said. Shahidullah Shahid said any attack claimed by Ahmed Marwat or his group should not be linked to the Taliban. He also denied involvement in the Peshawar suicide attack, which killed nine people and injured dozens more late Tuesday. Most of the victims were Shia Muslims./end