MANSEHRA: An old enmity on a disputed stream between two tribes which recently created a serious law and order situation in Upper Kohistan district has come to an end thanks to efforts by a third tribe.

The armed tribesmen of Yodankhel and Shimatkhel had taken positions at hilltops in Galkot area after the former stopped the latter from fetching water from the stream, which caused an exchange of heavy fire between the rivals.

The police had arrested several tribesmen from both the sides the other day to avoid any bloodshed.

In view of the deteriorating law and order situation the elders of Boatkhel tribe started efforts to reconcile the warring tribes and brought them to a jirga.

“I am pleased to announce that the enmity comes to an end after the jirga persuaded them to use the disputed stream on equal terms,” Haji Kamal, an elder of Boatkhel tribe, told a press conference in Kamila on Saturday.

He said local MPA Abdul Sattar would provide a heavy generator to supply electricity to one of the tribes. “This enmity could have created a serious law and order in the district but the jirga has averted the unpleasant situation by reconciling the tribes,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2018