SUKKUR, July 9: Three people were killed and three others suffered injuries in clashes between Mahar and Gabol tribesmen in Mangan Mahar village in the limits of Khanpur Mahar police limits early on Wednesday.

Sources in the village said that the clashes started after one Nazir Gabol was killed in exchange of fire reportedly after he and his accomplices tried to snatch tractor from Akbar Mahar when the latter was cultivating his land near the village.

The villagers exchanged fire with Nazir and his men as Akbar raised alarm, killing Nazir and his accomplice Ghulam Pitafi after almost two hours of gun-battle. Akbar was also injured.

The sources claimed after Nazir’s death, scores of armed Gabol tribesmen stopped a bus, which was going to Sardar Garh from Khanpur Mahar, and kidnapped bus driver Ali Murad Mahar, Barkat Mahar, Bhutto Mahar and Karim Bux Mahar at gunpoint.

After covering some distance, the kidnappers opened fire on the hostages, killing Barkat Mahar and Bhutto Mahar on the spot and seriously injuring bus driver Ali Murad Mahar, the sources said. They left behind the injured and fled with Karim Bux Mahar, they said.

The injured was moved to Ghotki taluka hospital and tractor driver Akbar Mahar was referred to Sukkur Civil Hospital due to his critical condition.

According to some reports, one more Mahar tribesman Bhooral has reportedly been kidnapped from Jarwar-Ghotki link road.

The two tribes have set up pickets and trenches around their villages after the clashes while rangers and police have also established pickets throughout the troubled area to avert further violence.