[3] In 2009, Taliban had imposed "jizya" on the community numbering 10,000 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal belt, resulting in many fleeing to other Pakistani cities.

[3] It was feared that the incident would adversely affect talks between India and Pakistan scheduled for 25 February.

The men had gone to the tribal areas for work but were held by Taliban groups who apparently asked them to convert to Islam.

[5] Indian government sources stated that their heads were thrown in a common area to create fear in the community.

India condemned the incident with its External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna stating that it would figure in the talks.