DERA GHAZI KHAN: An armed clash between two neighbouring clans of the Mazari tribe over irrigation water passage claimed lives of three persons and left six others injured in the limits of Rajanpur Saddar police on Thursday.

According to sources, the Shalwani clan resides upstream along the Kachhi Canal, while the Badani clan is settled downstream. Both clans have reportedly been involved in unauthorised diversion of the canal water.

The sources say the clash erupted when some members of the Badani clan allegedly attempted to divert irrigation water through the land owned by the Shalwani clan.

As a result, three Shalwani tribesmen were killed and six others from both sides were injured.

Following the incident, members of the Shalwani clan staged a demonstration by placing the bodies on the Indus Highway, disrupting traffic and demanding justice.

Rajanpur District Police Officer (DPO) Farooq Amjad confirmed to Dawn that both clans had a history of water theft from the canal.

“Today’s clash resulted in three fatalities and several injuries,” he said, adding that a case has been registered by Rajanpur police against 10 nominated suspects and five of them have been arrested so far.

Published in Dawn, June 21th, 2025