PARACHINAR, Jan 3: While a jirga tried to broker a ceasefire in Kurram Agency, six more people were killed in clashes here on Wednesday night, sources said.

Militant commander Silab Wazir was among those killed in the clashes near Biliameen village in Lower Kurram.

Sporadic clashes were also reported from Piwar and Teri Mingal areas of Upper Kurram. Two wounded persons were taken to the agency headquarters hospital in Parachinar on Thursday.

Political Agent Zaheerul Islam said the jirga was holding talks with elders of rival factions to end the fighting and combatants from both sides had vacated their positions in Sadda, Balishkhel, Alizai, Tangai and Makhezai.

He said the army and paramilitary troops had captured hilltops in many areas and the situation was improving. He said the jirga backed by security forces would dislodge the combatants from others area on Friday.

When asked about the number of casualties, Mr Islam said that 57 people had been killed in the recent hostilities. He was optimistic that the warring parties would agree to a ceasefire soon.