KOHAT, Nov 6 The divisional administration has stressed sectarian harmony in Hangu, asking religious communities to resolve 'thorny' issues peacefully.

Commissioner Kohat Region Mohammad Khalid Khan Umerzai, while addressing a grand jirga and members of divisional peace committees, urged the influential persons of different sects to overcome sectarian tension in the region.

He regretted that community leaders had not made any concerted effort so far to bring sectarian harmony and control clashes in the area since the Hangu riots in 2006.

Business activity had come to standstill in the region whereas educational activities had been badly affected due to violence which had become a routine, he said.

He advised curbs on sectarianism, saying that it was the prime responsibility of the influential people of the area to stop bloodshed.

DIG Abdullah Khan, District Coordination Officer Kifayatullah Khan, District Coordination Officer Hangu Syed Mussadiq Shah, District Police Officer Kohat Dilawar Khan Bangash, Political Agent Orakzai Agency Riaz Mehsud and other officials were also present on the occasion.

The Sunni and Shia community leaders presented a working relationship formula and promised to restore lasting peace in the restive district of Hangu and adjoining areas.

Later, the commissioner constituted a 14-member committee which would decide route for the Muharram procession in Hangu.