SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A longstanding land dispute between Sarkikhel and Jikhel/Darikhel tribes in Birmal tehsil of Lower South Waziristan district escalated this week, prompting police intervention on Saturday to restore order.

District police officer Khankhel said police launched an operation on Saturday in response to the growing tensions, enforcing a ceasefire, dismantling bunkers, seizing encampments, and arresting several individuals involved in the conflict.

The DPO reported that five days of continuous firing between the rival groups left one person dead and four others injured. “The situation is now under control, and peace has been restored in the area,” he stated.

DPO Khankhel said the land dispute in Ghundak area had previously resulted in loss of lives but had also seen peaceful resolutions through traditional jirga. He warned that any attempt to take the law into one’s own hands would be met with strict action. “No individual or group will be allowed to carry out illegal actions,” he emphasised.

Police officials confirmed both the parties had now agreed to engage in dialogue to resolve the issue.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2025