PARACHINAR, March 10: Tension has mounted in the Kurram tribal region after the kidnapping of over two dozens people belonging to two rival groups.

Local people said the main road between Thall and Parachinar, the regional headquarters, had been closed for traffic.

Sources said some people had kidnapped five Turi tribesmen near Hangu last week after which 20 people of the rival tribes had been kidnapped in different parts of the region.

The political administration has started negotiations with elders of the two groups for the release of the kidnapped people.

The sources said kidnappers in the Hangu district had demanded ransom for the release of five tribesmen. Senior officials of the tribal administration have reached Hangu to resolve the issue.

Elders of the Turi tribe have urged the government to ensure safety on the main road and take action against miscreants in the area.