PESHAWAR: Two more bunkers have been demolished in Kurram as part of the peace agreement.
The district administration claims that officials have dismantled 10 bunkers in the restive areas during the last few days. More bunkers will be razed in the next few days. Officials say there are more than 250 illegally built bunkers in Kurram and teams of district administration, police and Communication & Works Department are involved in the process of demolition.
Meanwhile, officials say supply of essential items to Parachinar and other parts of the district is being ensured. As many as 120 vehicles transported essentials to the restive parts.
Earlier, The tribal clashes in Kurram District upon land dispute have intensified, resulting in the deaths of 43 individuals, with 177 reported injured.
According to police sources, the conflict between the tribes has entered its sixth day. Despite a ceasefire agreement, intense gunfire continues in various parts of Lower Kurram. Meanwhile, no firing has been reported between the villages of Upper Kurram, Bushehra, and Malikhil following the ceasefire. Initial skirmishes were reported between the Boshera and Mali Khel tribes. However, these altercations turned violent and deadly when both sides resorted to using their heavy weaponry, said official sources. Authorities feared that the number of casualties could increase even further if the fighting continued. Recent reports indicate that overnight, heavy exchanges of fire occurred at four additional locations in Kurram District, including Balishkhel, Kharkali Sangina Pewar, Teri Mangal Zeran, Khumsa Maqbal, and Kunj Releza.
Hospital sources have confirmed that the latest clashes in Balishkhel resulted in eight more fatalities and 11 injuries. This brings the total casualties in Kurram District to 43 dead and 177 injured. The main Parachinar-Peshawar highway remains closed to all traffic due to the ongoing tension, causing significant difficulties for residents.
Continuous clashes and road closures have led to protests in various cities, including Peshawar and Islamabad, against the violence in Kurram District.
Earlier, The death toll from clashes between warring Shia and Sunni tribespeople in Kurram hit 30 on Sunday, with 145 wounded. A jirga finally managed to negotiate a ceasefire to end the gun battles, which started over a land dispute, and had been continuing since Wednesday night.
Police reported that a jirga comprising members of security forces, police notables, and local tribespeople from both sides agreed to the ceasefire’s conditions. It was announced that the dug up trenches would be taken over by the local administration, while bodies of the deceased would be allowed to be retrieved from both sides. The clashes between the Boshera and Mali Khel tribes started with light skirmishes on Wednesday night, but soon escalated into an all-out battle with both sides resorting to using their heavy weapons. –Agencies
