Seven years after Swat was declared free of Taliban terrorists, the picturesque valley is witnessing a spurt in extortions and targeted killings amidst reports that the Taliban is trying to regain a foothold in the region.

Reports in a section of the Pakistani media say that the Taliban leadership is regularly telephoning local traders to pay protection money. One such call from close aide of TTP chief in October ordered a local shopkeeper Abdur Rahim to pay protection money. Mullah Akhtar, a commander close to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah, ordered Rahim to collect money from 15,000 members of the Swat Traders’ Federation, the report says.

Rahim heads the federation and hence TTP call. He reportedly refused and the TTP Mullah had threatened to blow up his house. What made the shopkeeper to stand up is unclear but it is possible the general mood against militancy and security cover offered by the local police might have infused him with badly needed courage. Pakistan army has stationed a large force in the valley. It is also building a permanent garrison in Swat as a part of efforts to beef up security in the region.

Some commentators term the calls for ransom money and threats of attacks as desperation on the part of Taliban. But many analysts see the development as ominous. It may be recalled that Taliban ruled Swat with an iron hand for close to two years. The rule was marked by enforcement of Sharia. It was here in Swat that the Taliban made an assassination attempt on school girl, Malala Yousafzai, who went on to become a symbol of bravery and has been decorated with Nobel Prize for Peace in 2012.

Despite operation “Zarb-e-Azb” has not brought curtains down Islamist militancy as the Army was selective in picking up its targets under its policy of Good and Bad Taliban.

The Taliban have been very active in Balochistan, which is also home for the Quetta Shura. The Daesh as also a section of Taliban have claimed responsibility for the recent suicide attacks in Quetta and other parts of the most backward province. These attacks are seen as a resurgence of Taliban insurgency with the twin objective of establishing the Caliphate and enforcing Sharia.

Naturally, therefore, tribal leaders associated with Govt/Army formed Peace Committees, are a worried lot. “We are in danger”, they say keeping their fingers crossed.