Mullah Omar’s family backs down, accepts Taliban decision on succession issues

Karachi, Aug.5 : Family members of former Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar have reportedly agreed to accept the insurgent group’s dispute resolution council’s decision on succession issues.According to the Dawn, members of Mullah Omar’s family had initially rejected the appointment Mullah Akhtar Mansoor as Omar’s successor, demanding a new and wider vote.The Taliban, however, issued a series of statements aimed at deflecting the dissent and their spokesman also denied that a new vote would be held.On Tuesday, about 200 high-ranking Taliban members and commanders reportedly met Mullah Omar’s brother Mullah Abdul Manan and son Mullah Yaqub in Quetta, and convinced and conveyed the Taliban Unity Council’s decision.The paper quoted Mullah Hameedullah, as saying that all problems were discussed and Mullah Omar’s family gave authority to the Unity Shura that whatever decision they take would be agreed to and accepted.Mullah Yaqub confirmed that he had attended the meeting, but gave no further details.