KOHAT, March 23: The death toll of armed clash, which took place at Kachai between two groups on Saturday, has risen to 15 and the rivals have made preparations for a battle amidst increasing tension in the region on Sunday.

The armed men from Kachai area of Kohat district and Misthi tribe of Orakzai Agency were holding a jirga on Saturday afternoon to resolve the issue of the death of a woman who was killed during festive firing on the occasion of Nauroz on Friday.

An alleged outlaw Surat Ali had also been summoned in the jirga by the Misthi tribesmen for questioning about his alleged criminal activities in the Orakzai Agency. He was also killed in the armed clash.

The district police officer Kohat, Dr Waqarud Din, handed over six dead bodies to the Misthi tribe and about tribesmen were also shifted to the Orakzai Agency under the protection of security forces on Saturday night.

The Usterzai police registered a case about the incident after a delay of 18 hours on Sunday.