Militants on the run in Punjab, say police

For the first time since the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan late last year, rumours have been heard within several religious parties and militant groups that Al Qaida chief, Osama bin Laden, could indeed have died during the conflict or soon afterwards.

This rumour coincides with claims by the police that "militants in Punjab" are now on the run, after massive operations and that "the war against terror is being won".

It is suspected by intelligence operatives that such rumours may have been "begun by" at least 200 militants who were captured on their return from Afghanistan and released recently.

It is believed they may have picked up on speculation within Afghanistan that bin Laden had been killed, or at least very seriously injured, during the U.S. bombing of the Tora Bora cave complex.

Until recently, most religious groups in the country were convinced that bin Laden was alive. But now religious parties leaders say that bin Laden may not be alive, according to sources within the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.

"There has been increased discussion about this possibility," conceded one JUI member.

Similarly, within the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), known to have links with the Al Qaida, similar speculation has been heard.

However, one middle ranking JEM leader in Bahawalpur, recently released from custody, maintained that party leader Maulana Masood Azhar who had contact with bin Laden, had denied this.

It may be noted that President Pervez Musharraf has repeatedly maintained he believes bin Laden is dead. It is assumed his information about this is based on reports from Pakistan's intelligence agencies, which have strong contacts in Afghanistan and have been active in gathering information since late last year.

Musharraf's consistent stance on this has recently been given added weight by the indications that bin Laden's eldest son, Saeed, had taken charge of Al Qaida and the reports of the detention in Afghanistan of bin Laden's guards.

However, other reports insisting bin laden is alive and will reappear within months have also been heard.

Punjab police, meanwhile, say that "the recent action against militants in Punjab has been a success and these people are on the run."

Deputy inspector-general of police (DIG) Javed Noor confirmed that "terrorist networks have been very seriously hit and these people now seem to be running for cover".

Police say their operations against militancy will continue and maintain that they have "no idea" about bin Laden whether he is dead or alive.

In a bid to eliminate terrorism from the province, there is a plan in place for police and Rangers to act together. The Rangers, a paramilitary force under military command, have not previously been used in actions against terrorists.

However, the possibility of several joint operations being conducted is said to be now "under consideration", with the purpose of ensuring there is "no attempt by militants to re-converge in Punjab."

Punjab police believe that most militants have fled the province and are now based in tribal areas of the NWFP and Balochistan. Further raids to deal with those still in the province are expected soon.