Clashes continue in Kurram despite ceasefire

PARACHINAR/ KOHAT: Despite the much-publicized ceasefire in the volatile Kurram district, clashes between the two warring sides continued in parts of the tribal district on the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday.

According to the police and district authorities, the death toll from the violence had risen to 99, which started in rural areas after the terrorist attack on civilian passenger vehicles on Thursday last. The authorities said that 131 people had also been injured in the sectarian riots from the warring sides. The clashes had erupted after an attack on the passenger vehicles on November 21.

The authorities said 50 people were killed in the attack on vehicles carrying passengers from Peshawar to Parachinar in a convoy of around 100 vehicles.

A high-powered government delegation, headed by Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, after holding talks with the elders from warring sides, had announced a week-long ceasefire but it could not be implemented. Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, IG police Akhtar Hayat Gandapur and Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi were also members of the delegation.

Local sources, however, said the two sides started exchanging prisoners and bodies in some areas.

All educational institutions, shops and markets remained closed for the last six days. Besides the Peshawar-Parachinar Road, major link roads in the tribal district also remained shut for traffic.

Meanwhile, top government officials and elders on Tuesday met in Kohat to discuss ways and means to restore peace to the Kurram tribal district.

A handout said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary, Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, Kohat Division Commissioner Syed Motasim Billah Shah and elders from both the sects attended the gathering, called peace jirga.

The chief secretary underscored the critical importance of restoring peace and stability in Kurram district, reiterating the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the rule of law. He emphasized that the consultative process with local elders was integral to crafting a sustainable peace framework and assured the participants that the government would implement their suggestions and recommendations effectively.

Reflecting on recent incidents in Kurram, the chief secretary condemned the violence unequivocally, stating, “What transpired in Kurram district is unacceptable and stands in stark contrast to the principles of a civilized society. Such acts of inhumanity must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Anti-state and anti-social elements responsible for unrest in Kurram district will be brought to justice,” he stated.

Kohat Division Commissioner Syed Mutasim Billah Shah announced that all future meetings of the peace jirga would be held in Kohat. He said the consultation process would continue to address pressing concerns and reinforce communal harmony.

Also, the police in Kohat arrested a group of protesters involved in acts of arson on Kohat-Hangu Road at Kacha Pakha and Mohammadzai areas. According to police, an FIR was registered at the Astrazai Police Station against 322 protesters from Kacha Pakha under multiple sections of the law, including the Anti-Terrorism Act (7 ATA).

Similarly, another FIR was lodged at the Cantonment Police Station against 208 protesters from Mohammadzai under similar charges. The police arrested the protesters for indulging in acts of arson. They were protesting against the ongoing clashes in the Kurram tribal region.

The arrested suspects were produced in court, where police secured their remand for further investigation. Authorities said that raids were being conducted to apprehend more protesters.

The protesters had blocked the main road and torched two vehicles. One person was killed and several others were injured in the incident.