- By Aditya Jha
- Mon, 02 Dec 2024 01:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan Violence: The two rival tribes in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reached a ceasefire agreement after massive violence between them that killed 130 people in the Kurram district. Kurram Javedullah Mehsud, Deputy Commissioner, on Sunday confirmed that both of the tribes agreed to the proposal of a ceasefire in the conflicted zones of the district.
The violence between the Alizai and Bagan tribes began on November 22 following an attack on passenger vans near Parachinar in which 47 people were killed a day earlier. Many of the passengers who had sustained grave injuries died later, raising the toll in the killing to 57. As the clashes in the Kurram district continued for the eleventh consecutive day, the death toll rose to 130, with at least six people killed and eight injured on Sunday.
However, the district administration, after multiple attempts, succeeded in arranging a ceasefire on Sunday between two warring tribes engaged in a lethal gunfight. The deputy commissioner, in a statement, specified that the jirga (council of the tribal leaders) would speak to elders to reopen roads and sign a peace agreement. Mehsud further informed that the armed people of both of the tribes were removed from the firing posts and a police force has been deployed in the region.
The recent episode of violence escalated eight days ago, and police have been struggling to control it since then. Kurram district is facing a communication blackout, with mobile and internet services suspended and educational institutions closed. The closure of the main highway led to several of the major issues, as not only did it disrupt local transportation, but it also caused a complete suspension of trade with Afghanistan.
The local administration informed that Kohat division elders and parliamentarians would visit Kurram district to ensure a peace agreement between the rival tribes. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday emphasised the need for establishing peace and ordered authorities to seize their weapons.