A MIXTURE of territorial disputes, tribal differences and sectarian tensions in KP’s Kurram district has turned the tribal region into a powder keg that explodes every so often. Once again there have been deadly tribal clashes reported from the district, with at least 30 fatalities after five days of hostilities. Similar clashes erupted only a few weeks ago, resulting in over 40 deaths. At the heart of the violence are land disputes between different tribes; the current round of hostilities was sparked after one tribe started setting up bunkers apparently belonging to another tribe. These long-running disputes often take on a sectarian colour, with hatemongers fanning the flames on social media, and the presence of heavy weapons on all sides resulting in major bloodshed. The latest hostilities have caused the closure of key roads, while educational activities have also been suspended. The local administration is reportedly making efforts to enforce a ceasefire between the warring tribes.

At the core of the Kurram violence is the fact that the state has failed to address the underlying causes of tension. After violence breaks out, the administration fumbles for responses, often involving the activation of jirgas, to help bring down the temperature. While this results in a temporary cessation of hostilities, bloodshed soon resumes because the root causes of the disputes have not been resolved. The land disputes at the centre of the clashes need to be addressed judiciously, with all sides accepting the outcome. Moreover, the presence of heavy weapons in the area means that even minor quarrels can transform into something far more violent and ugly. Therefore, a deweaponisation drive in the area is direly needed. As for hate speech on social media, those involved in spreading communal material online need to be prosecuted so that this dangerous and highly irresponsible activity is contained. Local tribal leaders and ulema also need to play a greater role in defusing tensions and promoting harmony. A peace agreement was signed in Murree in 2008 between Kurram’s two major tribes; perhaps this can be used as a prototype to resolve the current issues. Kurram is located in a sensitive area bordering Afghanistan, and sectarian clashes in the area can potentially spread to other districts. Therefore, the state cannot afford to take a slothful approach where peacemaking in the district is concerned.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2024