QUETTA, Nov 13: At least four people were killed and several others injured in a tribal clash on Sunday between two groups of Mohammad Hasni tribe in Mashky, some 700 km south-east of here, in Awaran district.
“Four persons were killed on the spot in the firing,” DIG, Kalat Range, Pervez Zahoor, told Dawn.
It is learnt that Gaji Khan and Barkat of Mohammad Hasni tribe were involved in a feud over the killing of various people by the rival group.
Gaji Khan was on his way home with three of his friends on Sunday afternoon when gunmen loyal to Barkat opened fire on them. All four men were killed on the spot.
As news of the attack spread, armed supporters of Gaji Khan attacked the house of Barkat with rockets.
Armed men from both sides took up positions in the area and exchanged heavy gunfire and rocket fire.
“Both sides used heavy weapons including machine guns and rockets against each other,” sources said. The gun-battle continued till the evening.
Many people were injured during the exchange of fire. But none of the injured could be taken to hospital.
Heavy contingents of police and Balochistan Reserve Police headed by DIG Kalat range rushed to the place.
Police was deployed in the troubled area to avert further clashes between rival groups of the Mohammad Hasni tribe.
Police traced the feud to the murder of an uncle of Barkat a few years ago.
The gun-battle disrupted normal life in the small town of Mashky. All bazaars and shops were closed in the township.
Police have registered a case against Barkat and mounted a search for him in the area.
