KURRAM: Three more people lost their lives and 12 others sustained injuries on the fifth day of the ongoing armed clashes between two religious groups in district Kurram on Saturday.

The violent clashes, which claimed 18 lives and left 35 others wounded since Tuesday, erupted after a controversial video went viral on social media. Despite the fact that the video was strongly condemned by both groups, it triggered clashes between the two groups in the district.

On Saturday, officials said that armed clashes took place in Bashkhel, Boshrah, Pewarha, Tri Mengal, Kanj Alizai and different other areas which left three persons dead and 12 others wounded adding that the groups were using heavy weapons against each other.

Local administration said that roads were blocked and the transportation was suspended as well as cellular network remained suspended in the district adding that the educational institutions were closed.

“Efforts are underway for a ceasefire. Jirga members from districts Hangu and Orakzai holding negotiations to resolve the issue,” Deputy Commissioner Kurram Syed Saiful Islam told Dawn.

Jirga members stated that efforts were underway and the priority was a ceasefire and to vacate bunkers. Locals said the areas residents were short of daily commodities since markets were closed and the local residents were confined to their homes. Locals demanded of the government to take steps immediately to restore normalcy.

On Thursday, local elders and officials had convened in a bid to negotiate a ceasefire between the warring factions—the process however was derailed when a convoy of two vehicles, being escorted by police, came under attack in the Charkhel area of Lower Kurram. Four people were killed and six others were injured in this attack.

Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Aimal Wali Khan said it was a war for achieving political interests and questioned where did the weapons come from in Kurram.

He appealed local elders and political leadership to intervene and play their role for peace in the area immediately adding that ANP was ready for all kind of facilitation in restoration of peace.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2023