KURRAM: Four more people were killed and more than 40 received injuries in the clashes between rival tribes in Kurram tribal district on Wednesday, taking the death toll to 14 as authorities failed to stop fighting during the last four days.

According to reports, heavy fighting between the people of Balishkhel and Para Chamkani over the ownership of Shamilat land in lower Kurram continued on Wednesday. Armed clashes erupted in the area on Sunday last that claimed 14 lives so far including a paramilitary soldier.

Hospital sources said that more than 40 people were wounded in the clashes, so far. Eyewitnesses said that rival groups were using recoilless rifles (RRs), a type of lightweight artillery, and rocket propelled grenade launchers to target each other’s positions.

They said that RR accidentally exploded in a post that killed three operators. Electricity supply to Parachinar and adjacent areas remained suspended owing to damage to the transmission line. The main highway has already been closed to traffic.

Two killed over land dispute in North Waziristan

MNA Sajid Turi told journalists in Parachinar that both sides agreed to ceasefire and evacuation of armed men from hilltops was underway when heavy firing resumed before sunset on Wednesday, shattering the prospects of peace.

Senior military officers and administration held talks with both the sides on Tuesday, but failed to negotiate a ceasefire between them.

Haji Badi Uzaman, an elder of Para Chamkani, blamed the administration for the situation. “The issue can be resolved within hours if the administration shows sincerity,” he said, adding that it seemed the government was not sincere with the people of Kurram.

Syed Tajamul Hussain, a resident of Balishkhel, said that dispute over the ownership of Shamilat land had been lingering on for the last few years despite court’s decision and availability of land record.

He said that the court had ordered demolition of illegal structures one the community land, but the administration was helpless.

In North Waziristan tribal district, clash over the ownership of land in Mirali left two people dead and four others wounded including a police official on Wednesday.

Police said that inhabitants of Madikhel and Ippi tribes clashed over ownership of a piece of land that resulted in the killing of Malik Zeer Gul and his son Abdul Haleem. Four others were wounded. A police official identified as Jamshed Wazir, who was negotiating between the two sides, was also wounded in the firing.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2020