TTP denies reports replacing its chief Hakimullah Mehsud

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has categorically denied any decision of removing Hakimullah Mehsud from his position as the head of the group.

A foreign news organisation had reported that TTP was reviewing its policies of interior Jihad and was shifting its focus to Afghanistan. According to the report, apart from many other policy changes, Hakimullah Mehsud will be replaced by Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud who currently leads militants in South Waziristan.

Calling Wali-ur-Rehman as moderate, the report said that after his appointment the policies of the TTP would automatically change.

Talking to rediff.com from an undisclosed location, TTP central spokesperson categorically denied the report and termed it a ploy of intelligence agencies to create a rift amongst the rank of Taliban.

"It is a ploy to divide the militants; neither has any such decision been taken nor is it under consideration," said Ihsanullah Ihsan.

"Last week a meeting of Shura took place but there was no such issue of replacing Hakimullah Mehsud; only some other matters were discussed," he said.   

"Hakimullah Mehsud is our supreme leader and all the Taliban are united under his leadership," he added.

"Until he is following the rules and regulation of the TTP he will be our head; if he goes against it, he will be removed automatically. Taliban will announce the removal of its leader and there would be no need for such conspiracies in the media," he said.

Ihsanullah Ihsan warned media persons of severe consequences for disseminating baseless news against the TTP and without knowing its point of view over issues.