March 28, 2008	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 19, 1429

PARACHINAR, March 27: Seven people, two women among them, were killed and two others were injured when gunmen ambushed a government ambulance in the Lower Kurram tribal region on Wednesday.

The ambulance was going to Peshawar from Parachinar when it came under attack at the Chappari checkpost.

The victims belonged to the Turi tribe. The bodies were taken to a hospital in Thall in Hangu district and then shifted to Parachinar.

Officials said the assailants had used rockets and heavy machine-guns, killing seven passengers on the spot. A student of the Cadet College Razmak, a lady health worker and two Levies personnel were among the dead.

The attack caused tension in the area and security has been beefed up. Head of the Turi-Bangash joint committee Ali Akbar blamed the administration for the attack and alleged that the government had given a free hand to criminals.

He said the main road had become insecure and passengers were being attacked despite the presence of security forces. He said the main power supply line had been damaged and some elements were not allowing transportation of fuel oil to Upper Kurram. He urged the government to provide security to tribesmen.