F.P. Report
PARACHINAR: The efforts of Aman Jirga in Kurram district bore fruit after the rival tribes agreed to “tega” (ceasefire) for one year, on Friday.
A peace agreement between the tribal parties was reached. All the roads will be opened according to the peace agreement.
A fine of Rs120 million will be imposed on the violating party. The officials of police and district administration and tribal elders were part of the negotiating committee.
After the ceasefire, the rival parties also vacated the bunkers.
It is to be noted here that clashes broke out between rival tribes on July 7 last over a land dispute in Kurram district.
Kohat Deputy Commissioner Dr Azmat said that a fine of Rs120 million will be charged in case of future violations of peace deal.
Additional troops from the Pakistani Army and the Frontier Corps (FC) had been deployed in Kurram district on the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government’s request to control the escalating situation caused by land disputes among locals.
The clashes had resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and left 77 others injured. The violence, which had erupted approximately five days ago in the Boshera Dandar area, had spread to several neighbouring areas, including Khar Kallay, Baleshkhel, Pewar, Gidu, Teri Mengal, Kamran Para Chamkani, Maqbal, and Kunj Alizai.
In an official communiqué issued by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Home Department a few days ago, it was stated that the Army and FC would remain in the area until the situation returns to normal.
The government had been making efforts to resolve the longstanding land disputes amicably through the involvement of a Jirga (tribal assembly) and the support of the revenue department.
The government had warned of strict action against individuals involved in the clashes and had urged the public to cooperate with the district government and law enforcement agencies to thwart the nefarious designs of anti-state elements.
The escalating situation prompted a federal minister to appeal to the provincial and federal governments for immediate steps to restore law and order in Kurram district. Federal Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Minister Sajid Hussain Turri had expressed concern over the deadly clashes despite multiple ceasefires.
The minister had remained in contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, and the military’s 11 Corps, keeping them updated on the situation.
To aid in the negotiation of peace, a 30-member peace Jirga from Kohat, Orakzai, and Hangu, led by Kohat Deputy Commissioner Dr Azmatullah Wazir, had arrived in Kurram district a few days ago. The delegation, carrying white flags on their vehicles, had actively worked towards resolving the conflicts in the area.
