January 02, 2008	Wednesday	Zilhaj 22, 1428

PARACHINAR, Jan 1: Troops are being deployed in the lower parts of the Kurram tribal region where clashes between rival factions claimed two lives on Tuesday.

Sources said that troops started moving towards the violence-hit region after securing hilltops in the Bagan and Alizai areas of Lower Kurram.

Residents in Alizai said that incidents of firing continued despite the deployment of troops.

The sources said clashes also continued in Tangai, Makheizai, Anzeri, Sadda, Balishkhel and other parts of Upper Kurram.

The hostilities which started on Nov 16 have so far claimed at least 300 lives. Over 600 people have suffered injuries.

The Parachinar city is still under curfew and some parts of the region have been without electricity for several days.

A 16-member peace jirga, meanwhile, is persisting with efforts to persuade the rival groups in Parachinar and Sadda to stop hostilities.