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Malakand insurrection (1994–1995)

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Malakand insurrection (1994-1995)
Date1 November 1994 – 19 June 1995
Location
Result

Pakistani victory

  • Suppression of rebellion
Belligerents
 Pakistan TNSM
Commanders and leaders
Unknown Sufi Muhammad
Units involved

 Pakistan Army

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa FCKP(N)
TNSM
Black turbans
Foreign jihadists
Strength
Unknown 10000+
Casualties and losses
~12 killed ~28 killed
26+ wounded

Malakand revolt refers to an insurrection by Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi under the command of Sufi Muhammadin Malakand Division on the basis of a demand for Sharia law. Multiple areas were captured by the militants. The uprising was quashed by the Pakistan army, captured areas were liberated and a peace deal was negotiated. It was the first Salafi jihadist uprising in Pakistan.

Background

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In northwest Pakistan, three princely states Dir, Swat and Chitral were abolished and reorganised to form the Malakand Division in 1970.[1] This also abolished the laws of princely state especially the Sharia implementation in Swat.[1] During the Soviet Afghan war, many militants from this area went to Afghanistan for Jihad. Upon returning they started campaigning for Sharia law and established an organisation named as Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi.

Rebellion

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November 1994 insurrection

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In November 1994, Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi under Sufi Muhammad led a revolt for the implementation of Sharia law in the Malakand Division.[2][3][1][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] A large number of Afghan Mujahideen from the nearby areas also came to aid the rebellion.[2][1] Timergara, the headquarters of Lower Dir, was besieged by government, artillery Shelling was carried out and fighting erupted in Swat.[3][1] The Saidu Sharif Airport, roads multiple police stations and judicial courts in the area were occupied by the militants.[4][5][3][2][1] The Sharia law was implemented in the occupied areas.[3][1] They imposed driving on the right side of the road as a symbol of discontinuing British traditions.[1][4] The militants established check points on mountain peaks to prevent military from entering.[1][4] Approximately 40 persons, including 12 security force personnel, were killed in a week of combat before the Government quelled the rebellion.[2][3][1] Pakistan army deployed combat and reconnaissance helicopters to the area.[4] The Frontier Corps was deployed to regain control of the area.[2][4][5]

December 1994 clashes

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On December 4, 1994, 10,000 members of the TNSM started rally for the release of 85 captured militants but security forces responded with tear gas shelling.[2][1]

June 1995 clashes

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On June 19, 1995, the TNSM Chief Sufi Muhammad and 20 senior militants were arrested following an attack on security forces.[2][1] In response hundreds of TNSM cadres attacked and occupied Government offices in the Swat district wounding 26 people.[2][1]

Aftermath

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After the introduction of the PATA Regulation, the provincial government recommended the introduction of the Shariah law. Nizam E Adl Ordinance was passed by Pakistani government which made it compulsory for the civil courts to seek advice of a Muawin Qazi, who was a religious cleric learned in Islamic law.[1][11] But militant presence in the area led to the First Battle of Swat.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "The black turbaned brigade".
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "TNSM".
  3. ^ a b c d e "Malakand division conflict and response".
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Tension increases in north west Pakistan".
  5. ^ a b c "Official incompetency fueled militancy in Swat".
  6. ^ "Factbook, conflict in Pakistan's Swat".
  7. ^ "Radical militant leader of swat dead".
  8. ^ "1994 in Pakistan".
  9. ^ "TNSM, mapping militant groups".
  10. ^ "Pashtuns in Pakistan".
  11. ^ "Instability in swat" (PDF).