Peshawar: Ten Taliban militants who
desecrated the shrine of a revered saint in northwest Pakistan
have reportedly been admitted to a mental hospital here for
treatment.
The Taliban fighters who have "lost their mental
capabilities" were arrested at the shrine of Pir Baba in
Daggar, the headquarters of the mountainous Buner district, by
security forces during an operation last year.
They had reportedly confessed to their involvement in the
desecration of the shrine.
Official sources said one militant became paralysed,
while nine others went mad during their interrogation.
Before the military operation was launched, militants
from Swat valley moved into the adjacent Buner district in a
bid to enter other areas like Swabi, Mardan and Nowshera.
The Taliban, who are opposed to Sufi practices like
worshipping at the shrines of saints and 'pirs', barred people
from visiting the centuries-old shrine of Pir Baba and
desecrated it.
Pir Baba, who is revered by the people of the area, had
played a key role in spreading Islam in south Asia.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 18:04