KURRAM: Rival tribes in central subdivision of Kurram tribal district agreed on Thursday to settle a 23-year-old land dispute, which had claimed scores of lives, through peaceful negotiations.

Despite well-documented land settlement record, disputes over community lands have spiked among rival tribes in different parts of the Kurram district. Pitched battles have been fought as a result, claiming scores of lives. Last month, 12 people were killed and 10 others wounded in two land disputes in the district.

The agreement to consider dialogue to end an old conflict came about due to the efforts by elders of Turi tribe from Parachinar who mediated between the rivals.

A 40-member party of Turi tribe went to central Kurram where it mediated the peace jirga between Taindo and Alishazai tribes. The mediation led to successful negotiations where the two tribes decided to give peace a chance and resolve the feud through dialogue.

The jirga comprising mediating members and tribal elders decided to form committees for facilitating dialogue between the rival tribes to seek swift resolution of the conflict.

As a first step, the rival tribes agreed to take confidence building measures such as removing trenches at positions taken against each other.

Members of the Alishizai and Taindo tribes thanked Turi tribe for their efforts and assured the jirga of all possible cooperation.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2021