Tribesmen exchange fire over disputed land

LANDIKOTAL: Pirokhel and Shalmani tribesmen in Landikotal exchanged gunfire for a few hours to take control of a piece of disputed land in Landikotal on Monday.

However, no casualty was reported. The sources said that the land dispute had been lingering on for years. The situation became tense on Monday as dozens of gunmen from both Pirokhel tribe and Loey Shalman tribe took positions over the top of Pirokhel hills. Tribesmen from both rival parties opened fire on each other’s bunkers established over the hilltops in Landikotal. As the gunfire started, District Police Officer Muhammad Iqbal sent a police party to the site and controlled the situation.

Talking to The News, SHO of Landikotal, Ibrahim Shinwari said they reached the site and stopped the firing. He said they arrested 22 persons from both sides and also seized weapons from their possession. The official said that cases had been registered against the arrestees. The residents appreciated timely action by the DPO Khyber and Landikotal police that saved many lives.