KOHAT, Feb 11: The authorities hope that elders from the rival sides will help pave the way for army pullout from Hangu in a couple of days as curfew was lifted on Saturday following the constitution of two committees comprising six members each from both the sects.

Elders from both sides have agreed to a truce and the committees are scheduled to meet on Monday at the local Police Club. The talks will be facilitated by the district coordination officer, nazim and police officials.

The unsettled issues of compensation and implementation of an accord reached in 1998 are the main impediments in bringing lasting peace in the area.

Haji Fazal Akbar, Azad Gul, Haji Pir Khan, Abdul Wahab, Jabbar Khan and Niazbar are representing the Sunnis and Hussain Ali Shah, Raziq Ali, Daftar Ali, Hamid Khan and Malik Irfan represent the Shias in the talks.

“The jirga which was formed to settle the issues of responsibility and fine for the 2006 suicide bombing and riots will also initiate its proceedings to take up the unfinished agenda according to which the aggressor is to pay a fine of Rs10 million to the affected side under a peace agreement reached in 2001,” an official said.

Both the sides have made some changes in the jirga, according to which Malik Mohammad Azfal will replace Mohammad Alam Khan and Haji Eid Akbar will take the seat of Aslam Akhunzada.