[frkksptn]

MIRANSHAH - The Taliban on Saturday announced a ban on polio vaccination in North Waziristan, warning the violators of dire consequences.
The shura council of militants led by their commander Gul Bahadur distributed pamphlets among local residents, saying “Amir Gul Bahader after consensus with Shura members, decided to ban polio vaccination for children until drone attacks were stopped in the region.” The pamphlet further said the people did not require the help of those who were spending millions of rupees on polio vaccination campaign to protect children from the disease which affects one in a million, while drone attacks had caused a humanitarian crisis by killing several innocent children, women and elders. The pamphlet said that the people of Waziristan were suffering from mental problems due to a constant fear of drones which keep hovering over the area.
The militants said that the polio vaccination campaign also provides room for US spies to operate in the area, while citing the example of Dr Shakil Afridi, who ran a fake vaccination drive to track down slain al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. “Therefore, with effect from today (Saturday), polio vaccination has been strictly banned, and those who violate the decision would face dire consequences,” the pamphlet added.