Wahid Mehsud, known as Jagri Mehsud, his story is actually a complete picture of the decline, internal destruction, and ruthless nature of TTP.
The man who, in 2008, stood alongside Baitullah Mehsud in the formation of TTP, who played a central role in shaping the organization’s military structure, recruitment, and cross-border operations, was ultimately killed by the very same organization he had empowered with his blood and time.
Jagri Mehsud was no marginal figure. Whether it was attacks against security forces in North Waziristan or operations in Afghanistan, his name was always counted among TTP’s most effective field commanders.
Even after Baitullah Mehsud’s death, during the era of Hakimullah Mehsud, he continued to be regarded as one of the organization’s closest and most influential figures. This was the period when TTP still tried to present itself as an ideological movement, but in reality it had already become a violent group revolving around power, money, and fear.
With the passage of time, differences within TTP came out into the open. The struggle for leadership, control over resources, and personal interests divided the organization into factions.
It was as a result of this internal chaos that people like Jagri Mehsud realized that this group was not fighting for any religious or public cause, but merely wanted survival through the barrel of the gun. His surrender to the state in 2016 was the outcome of this very realization.
The state’s policy has been clear: whoever lays down arms and wishes to return to the fold of the constitution and law should be given a chance.
Under this very policy, after rehabilitation, Jagri Mehsud was made a part of a local peace committee at a limited level.
However, for TTP this was intolerable. Every former member who cooperates with the state is considered a traitor in their eyes.
The suicide attack during a wedding ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan was a continuation of this very mindset.
This attack was not only aimed at Jagri Mehsud, but was a message to all those who wish to abandon extremism and return to a peaceful life.
This incident proves false all of TTP’s claims in which they talk about tribal traditions, religious values, and public support.
Targeting a wedding ceremony in a tribal society is proof that for this organization, neither the sanctity of religion, nor tradition, nor the value of human life holds any importance.
The killing of Jagri Mehsud brings forward a bitter but clear truth: TTP is no longer merely an enemy of the state; it has become a suicidal organization that devours even its own former comrades.
A group that does not spare even its founders cannot represent any ideology, resistance, or struggle.
After today’s incident, there should be no room left for any ambiguity. TTP is a terrorist organization whose sole purpose is to spread fear and create instability.
It is imperative for the state to remain steadfast in its policy against terrorism, to provide protection to those who choose the path of peace, and to uproot this mindset that turns weddings, funerals, and ordinary citizens into battlefields.
The story of Jagri Mehsud is a conclusion, a warning, and a proof — proof that the path of terrorism ultimately leads only to destruction.
The Khawarij deliberately move around while hiding among the general population, especially among women and children, because they know that the army gives the highest priority to the protection of civilians.
Four facilitators of the suicide attacker have been arrested.
