PARACHINAR, Sept 2: Eleven people were killed and two others got injuries when unknown assailants attacked passenger vans in Kurram Agency on Thursday and Friday, sources said.

Attacks were carried out in Makhizai and Zeranai areas of lower and central Kurram, respectively. Sources said that these attacks carried the hallmark of sectarian disturbance as members from both sects were among the victims.

First attack took place in lower Kurram on Thursday when a passenger van heading from Alizai to Parachinar was attacked in Makhizai Village. Seven people including a child were killed and one was wounded.

Residents said that after ambush the tribesmen intercepted the attackers who had taken shelter in Cheki village. Both sides exchanged heavy fire, but no loss of life was reported. Residents of Makhizai village accused the natives of Cheki village of providing shelter to the attackers.

Security forces while taking prompt action fired several rounds of artillery from Arawali Fort to dislodge armed tribesmen from their positions. People killed in the attack were identified as Alim Hussain, Nabel Hussain, Hakim Hussain, Hamid Hussain, Zahid Hussain, Gulzar Hussain and Iran Ali.

The second incident took place in Zeranai area when a vehicle coming from Bagun to Sadda was attacked. Four people identified as Zahoor Khan, Qudratullah, Aslam Gul and Hakim Gul died on the spot as a result of firing. They belonged to central and lower Kurram. An official said that attackers managed to escape after firing.

Attacks on passenger vehicles sparked tension in the volatile valley.

Passengers travelling between Sadda and Begun often use alternative route because of insecurity on the main road while residents of Parachinar and its surrounding areas come and go to Peshawar via Afghanistan or in security forces' convoy.

Five people of Parachinar including a woman were killed in Afghanistan last week when they were on way to homes via Kabul.

Elders condemned these attacks and said that some elements were trying to derail peace efforts in the area. These incidents took place at a time when tribal elders representing rival factions were in Parachinar on the eve of Eidul Fitr as a mark of goodwill gesture. Senior officials also met the elders and discussed future plan.

Haji Hamid, an elder of Turi-Bangash joint council, blamed miscreants for these attacks and said that trouble makers were trying to fail efforts for the restoration of peace. He said that it was political administration's responsibility to ensure road safety in the area.

Meanwhile, tribal elders said that despite fresh incidents the grand tribal jirga would meet in Parachinar on Sept 7 to resume talks for durable peace in the valley. They said that the jirga would discuss plan for the opening of Thall-Parachinar Road and return of the over 20,000 displaced families who escaped their homes in the wake of violence that erupted in November 2007.