On 16 June 2006, two women - Saida Jan and Salma Bibi-- were killed by unidentified gunmen in the Orakzai Agency; on 19 June, Nazimuddin Gangikhel was shot dead in South Waziristan; on 26 June , Guldawar Khan and four of his associates were killed in North Waziirstan; and, on 30 June Lal Khan Mahsud was killed along with his son. These killings in the Federally Administered Tribal Regions (FATA) do not mean much statistically as there have been numerous other killings by the State and militants led by the Taliban. An analysis of these four incidents, however, would reveal a sinister plan where these victims were only pawns in a larger process that is engulfing the FATA. Each of these killings would represent a pattern designed at establishing a strict radical code of Taliban. In other words, talibanizing FATA.

The two women killed in Orakzai Agency belonged to the Shia community, and were teachers working with a non governmental organization. They belonged to Hangu, a settled district in the NWFP, also known for its sectarian divide. Even though these two killings did not initiate another round of violence, the sectarian tensions have increased in Orakzai and the adjacent Khyber Agency, where two groups belonging to Mufti Munir and Pir Saifur Rahman have been engaged in a sectarian conflict in recent months. Despite the fact that a local jirga, supported by the political administration, expelled both these leaders and their supporters are pursuing a sectarian vendetta. Mangal Bagh, belonging to Mufti Munir's group, has formed the Lashkar-e-Islam and is trying to impose a strict Islamic code in the Bara sub division.

The teachers were killed not only because they were Shias but also because they were working for a NGO funded by the Asian Development Bank. It is unfortunate that the NGOs, especially those with external funding, are perceived by these Islamist forces as introducing immoral practices and encouraging anti-Islamic activities. Attacks against NGO personnel - national and international - jeopardize their security and also hamper their efforts to improve the social and economic conditions of the locals. Besides, this would keep the local population under developed, creating space for radical forces. Hence, by targeting programmes aimed at improving educational standards and the condition of women these Islamist forces are ensuring that their societies remain backward.

Secondly, Nazimuddin Gangikhel was killed by the militants as they believed that he was close to the Pakistani government. He is not the first person to be targeted for this reason as, in recent months, more than 150 tribesmen were killed because of their ties with the government. Locals were also warned against attending any meetings called by the Political Agent. It is clear that the primary objective is to erode the influence of the political administration.

Thirdly, Lal Khan Mahsud and his son were killed for their faith in Sufism. Lal Khan used to provide amulets and charms to tribesmen to fulfill their wishes. The tribal society in the FATA has been pursuing Sufi Islam and beliefs in Pirs and local clergies. The Taliban and local supporters are trying to introduce a narrow version of Islam. The dispute between Pir Saifur and Mufti Munir in Khyber Agency was also about imposing a stricter form of Islam. Besides these two, Haji Namdar established Amr bil Maroof wa Nehi Anil Munkir after his return from Saudi Arabia which emphasizes adherence to stricter religious codes. Recently, the militants sent letters to the MMA leaders and local clerics to support them openly. According to reports, these letters were sent along with Rs 1000 to buy their coffins, if they refused. Clearly, these are efforts to introduce a narrow version of Islam and overthrow the existing moderate religious practices.

Finally, Guldawar Khan and his associates were killed for being bandits as part of an effort against smugglers. Beheading or hanging the bodies from posts was a typical Taliban punishment in Afghanistan before they were uprooted. Another related trend has been public killings where Muhammad Ghani was publicly tried and executed. Both these actions signify the declining role of tribal jirgas and the political administration, and were probably aimed at undermining their importance. The recent months have witnessed a growing emphasis on the Sharia in place of these two institutions.

These four sets of killings in the last one month reveal a process - the talibanization of FATA in various spheres. It is targeted against the State, the local jirgas led by the tribal elders, and local Sufi customs and practices. It also aims at developing a sectarian society, based on a narrow interpretation of the Shariah. The greatest danger to the FATA does not come from the presence of the al Qaeda but, rather, from the growing influence of the Taliban.