Tense calm in Kurram as firing victims laid to rest

PARACHINAR: Tense calm prevailed in Kurram as 15 persons, who were killed in separate skirmishes in the tribal district, were laid to rest amid touching scenes.

The local officials said that around 25 suspects had been arrested in connection with the fresh clashes. They said efforts were being made to restore order in the troubled Kurram district, where the situation remained tense for the second consecutive day.

Tribal leaders condemned the attack and called for efforts to restore peace.

The key roads in the district, including the main Parachinar-Peshawar highway, remained blocked amid the tension.

At the funerals, Bangash tribal leader Saleem Khan and others expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life. Condemning the attacks, they urged the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

They asked the police and security forces to ensure justice for the victims and restore peace to the area.

Meanwhile, the Turi tribe held a jirga, with representatives from various walks of life, including religious scholars and local elders, in attendance. Tribal leader Jalal Bangash expressed regret over the recent incidents and warned that such violence could disturb peace in Kurram. He urged swift action to prevent further violence.

Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud and District Police Officer Ahmad Shah said that efforts were underway to normalize the situation. Security forces have begun arresting individuals from the areas near the scene of the attack with more than 25 suspects in custody so far.

Meanwhile, in Lower Kurram’s Balishkhel area, unidentified gunmen fired on the main electricity supply line, disrupting power to Upper Kurram.

The authorities were working to repair the damaged lines in order to restore power supply to the area.

It is to be mentioned here that following the recent violent clashes in Kurram, a decision had been taken to ensure the safety of all roads, including the Thall-Parachinar road. Both tribes had agreed that any violation of this agreement, such as firing on members of the other tribe, would result in hefty fines worth millions of rupees.

In September, around 46 people were killed and 91 others injured in Kurram when violence erupted over a land dispute. The clashes had prompted the district administration to engage a local jirga to facilitate negotiations between two rival tribes to broker a ceasefire and end the bloodletting. The KP government also formed a land commission to resolve the land disputes.