TANK, Aug 16: Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud on Saturday issued a decree, setting up a parallel judicial and dispute arbitration system in South Waziristan.

Pamphlets, carrying orders of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief about the new set-up, were distributed in Tank, Jandola and other Mehsud-dominated areas.

According to the pamphlet, Mohammad Raees Mehsud will head the central committee, comprising Raees Mehsud, Maulvi Azmatullah, Maulvi Ikramullah, Maulvi Abdul Wahab and Haleem Khan. Mohammad Raees will also be in-charge of the new system.

The central committee will look after sub-committees, which will keep a watch over the affairs of regional committees set up in Barwand, Sara Rogha, Makeen and Sam areas.

The pamphlets asked people to approach any of the regional committees for arbitration. If they are not satisfied with their decisions, they can appeal before the sub-committee, whose decision could be challenged before the central committee. Its decision will be final.

According to the pamphlet, if someone refuses to accept its decisions, the central committee can take ‘appropriate action’ to implement its orders.

Baitullah urged members of the committees to “earnestly perform their duties”, saying that their jurisdiction might be extended if they performed well, otherwise they would be relieved of their responsibilities.

Complaints against Qazis or a committee member would looked into by the central committee. People were asked to refrain from contacting top Taliban leaders, including Baitullah Mehsud, Maulana Noor Said, Maulana Mufti Noor Wali and Maulana Waliur Rehman for dispute settlement because of organisational work and other activities.

Members of the Tehrik were warned against influencing committee members for a favourable decision, otherwise they would be punished.