NOWSHERA: Militants have started a crackdown against CD/video stores and net cafes in Rashakai area of Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province.

In pamphlets distributed and pasted in local markets including the Fazal-e-Rabi market yesterday, an outfit called ‘Tehrik-i-Taliban Mujahid Tehrik’ has ordered closure of net cafes and CD/music stores.

The militant group threatened the owners to look for alternative means to earn a living or else face dire consequences.

The text stated that this was the last warning being given for the closure of net cafes and CD shops, adding that any damages incurred by not following the orders would be the sole responsibility of shop owners.

The handbills and letters have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the area, with a number of CD shops and net café owners quietly closing down their businesses.

Locals have alleged that the police was privy to the situation in the area and has asked them to stay mum and follow Talibans’ orders.

It must be noted that earlier this month, in the locality of Shireen Kothay, an explosive device was set outside a CD shop and net café in Fazal Market. In the resultant explosion, 18 shops were badly damaged including a book store.

Meanwhile, when contacted by this scribe, Risalpur police station’s SHO Mohammad Ishaq strongly denied the situation.

“This is completely false news. No handbills were distributed or pasted in the markets and neither did the police order anyone to close their business in the area,” the police official said.