ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: Two more tribes have joined a peace jirga which has assembled in the federal capital to end sectarian violence in Kurram Agency.

MNA Munir Khan Orakzai, who is a member of the jirga, told Dawn that 16 members each of the Hangu and Orakzai tribes had joined the forum on Sunday to settle three main issues -- ceasefire between sectarian groups, rehabilitation of displaced people and reopening the Tal-Parachinar road.He said the jirga being held at a hotel would continue for three or four days.

Mr Orakzai said a formal discussion on the issues would begin on Monday.

He said initially all the groups involved in sectarian fighting in Kurram Agency had expressed willingness to lay down weapons and restore peace. “They have agreed to abide by whatever decision the jirga takes and that those declared guilty will be punished,” he added.

Parachinar Political Agent Azam Khan said the 120-member jirga comprising Turi, Bangash, Hangu and Orakzai tribesmen had met with a determination to restore peace in the troubled area.

MNA Sajid Hussian Turi, Senator Rasheed Khan and other notables of the area were also present.

Members of the jirga said the clashes had cut the people of the area from the rest of the country and they had to take a long route via Afghanistan to reach Peshawar because of the closure of the road.