KHAR: A jirga of the Tharkani elders on Sunday resolved a 35 year-old dispute between rival tribes in Bajaur Agency’s Khar tehsil.

The feud over petty issue of distribution of water between Haji Lal Zameen and Malik Ajab Gul families was one of the bloodiest and longest running conflicts in the agency that had left several people dead and wounded from both the sides.

The settlement came at a ceremony held in Enzari area that was attended by hundreds of tribesmen, elders of various tribes and members of the jirga.

Senior officials of the political administration and security forces, including Commandant Bajaur Scouts Col Tahir, Assistant Political Agent Mohammad Ali Khan and MNA Haji Bismillah Khan were also present.

During the reconciliation ceremony, elders of the rival tribes hugged each other and took oath on holy Quran that they would live like brothers in future. They also promised that they would forget all bitterness of the past and will live peacefully for the sake of bright future of their young generation.

The elders of both the tribes expressed regret over the conflict and said they did not expect that a tiny issue of water could lead to a lengthy and bloodiest dispute.

They also pledged to work for resolving personal enmities and disputes among the people of the area.

The jirga members said settlement of the dispute was a tough job and they had held a number of meetings with the warning tribes.

The elders said they were very happy for the peaceful settlement of the dispute as it had not only disturbed the law and order but also posed a serious threat to the lives of entire village

On the occasion, Commandant Bajaur Scouts Col Tahir Khan said settlement of the longstanding dispute was good news for the area because disputes and conflicts not only disturbed peace but also affected the socioeconomic development of the entire agency.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2017