August 19, 2008	Tuesday	Sha’aban 16, 1429

PARACHINAR, Aug 18: Fierce clashes between rival groups in the Kurram tribal region left another 35 people dead and 46 injured on Sunday night and Monday, taking the death toll in 12 days of fighting to 281.

The 72-hour deadline given by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik to the warring factions to lay down their arms or face action expired on Monday, but the fighting continued.

Local people said there was no movement of security forces in the area and troops remained confined to their forts.

Officials said a jirga of elders from Hangu and Orakzai would visit Kurram on Tuesday for talks with rival groups.

Sources said that 35 people were killed and 46 others wounded on Sunday night and on Monday and a number of houses were set on fire in different areas of Lower Kurram. The combatants used heavy weapons in attacks on houses.

Witnesses said that fierce clashes continued in Alizai, Arawali and Anzari villages. A hamlet was set on fire near the Arawali Fort.

A large number of families have moved to Parachinar and Hangu and wounded people are being taken to hospitals in Parachinar and Thall.