LARKANA, March 16: Tensions between the Bhutto and the Mithani clans eased on Sunday after both sides agreed to a truce.

The standoff between the two clans had escalated following clashes over a month ago, in which a man, Nabi Bakhsh Bhutto, had been killed and three others injured.

The clash had occurred in the Giles Bazaar and had led to permanent deployment of about 150 policemen in the area, the police said.

The ground for the peace negotiations between the two groups was prepared by leaders of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz, including its deputy secretary general Riaz Chandio.

A peace caravan, comprising women carrying holy Quran, led by chief of the Mithani tribe Ali Gohar Mithani, went to Ghulam Bhutto village, some three kilometres away from here. Members of the peace caravan also included the first mayor of the Larkana Municipal Corporation, Qurban Abbasi, and Dr Sikandar Jatoi, a PPP-SB leader.

The caravan was received by the elders of the village and other prominent personalities of the area.

The peace caravan progressed through a corridor secured by men from both the tribes and the police.

The chieftain of the Mithanis sought an early date for the settlement of the dispute after confessing that his side had initiated the armed clash.

Barkat Bhutto, talking on behalf of the aggrieved family, said that as settlement of dispute was the domain of the tribe’s chieftain, the Mitahnis should approach Sardar Mumtaz Ali Bhutto in this regard.

Mr Chandio, speaking on behalf of the JSM, said that he was confident that Mr Bhutto would resolve the matter soon and appreciated the rivals for their patience, accommodation and willingness to settle the matter.