KHAR: The elders of Malakand Agency and Bajaur Agency’s Barang tribe on Wednesday decided to resolve the longstanding dispute on the ownership of a local chromite mine by dialogue.

The decision was made during by a jirga here, where dozens of tribal elders from the two sides, Bajaur Agency political agent Abdul Jabbar Shah and Malakand district coordination officer Jamil Khan and relevant officials were in attendance.

The participants discussed the dispute and the strategy to resolve it by peaceful means. Also, the matters related to the law and order situation and those of mutual interest also come under discussion.

At long discussion, the two sides agreed to form a 10-member committee comprising elders and officials to find a peaceful and durable solution to the dispute, which has claimed several lives over the years.

They also decided that no one would be allowed to carry out any activity on the disputed mine.

On the occasion, Bajaur Agency political agent Abdul Jabbar Shah said resolving disputes between the two tribes was the need of the hour as they’re disturbing the law and order situation in the region.

He asked the two sides to ensure peace and harmony in the region.

District coordination officer of Malakand Agency Jamil Ahmed and senior elders of Barang and Malakand Agency promised to work for the larger interest of the region and said no one would be allowed to violate the jirga’s decision.