PARACHINAR: Three people were killed and four wounded in clashes between rival groups in the Lower Kurram tribal region on Tuesday, sparking tension in the volatile area, locals said.

Fighting erupted between the residents of Balishkhel and Khar villages when supporters of rival factions started construction of bunkers in their respective positions. Sources said that tension is high in the area, which has a history of sectarian clashes.

Mian highway from Thall to Parachinar has been closed for the last five months due to tension and movement of militants. A jirga, led by former federal minister Malik Waris Khan Afridi, could not make any breakthrough despite three months of negotiations.

Reports said that residents of Khar village attacked their rivals near Balishkhel check post which resulted in a heavy exchange of fire. Three people died in hospital and four received injuries.

Miscreants also took hostage members of a peace jirga for several hours. Sources said that skirmishes continued in the area and rival groups were organizing armed lashkars. Local elders and authorities have failed to cease firing in the area.