September 03, 2008	Wednesday	Ramazan 2, 1429

PARACHINAR: Despite talk of ceasefire and desire expressed by rival tribes to maintain peace during Ramazan, eight people were killed and several others were injured in fresh clashes in the Kurram region on Tuesday.

Sources said a couple had been killed and their 13 children wounded when a mortar shell hit their house in Balyamen area.

The Turi tribe claimed killing six of its rivals.

A ceasefire, first announced by the Turi tribe in Parachinar at the request of a tribal jirga and followed by similar announcements by Bangash, Mangal, Para Chamkani, Zaidashat, Ali Sherzai and Maqbal, was welcomed by local people belonging to both sects. But some elements on both sides appeared to be determined to continue the bloodshed.

Sporadic clashes had been reported from Bagzai, Inzari, Tabay Muqam, Sadda, Khar Kalley, Balishkhel, Sangina, Karman, Para Chamkani, Pawar, Tangi, Tarimangal, Maqbal, and Kanj Alizai areas.

The Kurram region has been in grip of violence for a long time. Roads have been blocked by armed men of rival factions at various points. Convoys carrying food and medical supplies have been attacked and destroyed.

The current spell of violence, which entered the 27th day on Tuesday, has left 640 dead and over one thousand injured.—Correspondent