Taliban posters in Kashmir’s Sopore threaten petrol pump owners, gamblers

The posters, a copy of which lies with us, warned petrol pump owners of dire consequences if they refuel vehicles belonging to police and other armed forces.

Posters bearing initials of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan have surfaced in north Kashmir’s Sopore town, warning of attacks on petrol pumps, liquor stores, cable operators and apartments rented out to non-local labourers.

The posters, a copy of which lies with us, warned petrol pump owners of dire consequences if they refuel vehicles belonging to police and other armed forces.

People who indulge in gambling or households where gambling takes places have also been threatened of attacks in these posters.

“Change yourselves for better and stop these immoral activities within seven days,” the posters have warned.

The group, though these posters, has asked people to create an atmosphere vis-à-vis the teachings of Islam in their homes and neighbourhoods.

“Action will be taken against those households who give shelter to Bihari (non-local in common parlance) labourers,” the posters have warned.

Without staking a direct claim on the attacks on telecom installations, the group, through these posters, said: “Action will be taken against people they way it is being taken against telecom installations.”

Editor’s Note: We couldn’t independently verify the authenticity of these posters.