KURRAM: A land dispute between two tribes in the Kurram district claimed the lives of two more people on Saturday, raising the death toll from the four days of clashes to 13 with at least 70 injured from both the sides.

All educational institutions and bazaars remained closed, while traffic on main roads remained suspended during the day.

A tribal jirga from Hangu and Orakzai districts continued efforts to affect a ceasefire between the tribes of Boshehra and Maleekhel.

Clashes had broken out between the two tribes over a land dispute four days ago. Both sides used heavy weapons to target each other’s positions. The clashes also spread to other areas, including Peewar, Tangi, Balishkhel, Khaar Kalay, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Para Chamkani and Karman.

Locals said that missiles and rockets were also fired on the Parachinar and Sadda towns.

Dr Mir Hassan Jan, medical superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital, Parachinar, said that 23 injured had been admitted for treatment.

Deputy commissioner Javedullah Mehsud said that the jirga was continuing efforts to convince elders of the warring tribes to call a ceasefire and vacate their positions.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2024