LANDI KOTAL, Aug 30: A government-sponsored tribal jirga negotiated a ceasefire between two warring religious groups in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency on Sunday.

The jirga comprising elders of different Afridi tribes held negotiations with the activists of Tanzim Ahl-i-Sunnath Wal Jammath (Pir group) and Tanzim Amr Bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkir (Haji Namdar group).

The two groups have been at loggerheads since last week of July as they had differences over the observance of certain rituals. The clashes between the two groups resulted in killing of four persons, including four minors while around a dozen were injured.

A number of houses including a mosques were also raised to ground during heavy shelling at each other's positions in Narhao area in Tirah valley. The two groups had also resorted to kidnapping and torturing supporters of rival groups and had established checkposts at exit and entry points to Bar Qambarkhel area to where the two organizations belonged.

The Afridi jirga headed by former federal minister Malik Waris with active support from political administration was able to bring the two warring factions to the negotiation table.

According to the jirga verdict, the ceasefire will be effective till three months during which the jirga will strive to solve differences between the two groups. They were however allowed to operate in their respective areas.

The jirga also directed rival groups to immediately release kidnapped men and in case of violation of jirga verdict, a heavy fine would be imposed on the violators.

ARRESTED: The Bara political administration arrested at least 20 Shalobar tribesmen in connection with the abduction of a medical technician Dr Kamaluddin. The medical technician was abducted by unidentified gunmen from Shalobar area a week ago and was still untraced.