Violence in Kurram district.
So far, 122 people have been killed in the ongoing communal violence between Sunni and Shia communities in Kurram district in Pakistan’s restive northwestern region. Police and hospital sources reported on Friday that, despite the ceasefire, incidents of sporadic clashes and shootings continue. The latest shooting took place on Thursday, in which two people were killed and six others were injured.
Following these incidents, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi directed Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to visit the disturbed area. The violence began on November 21 in the Parachinar area of the district, bordering Afghanistan, when a passenger van was ambushed. 47 people died in this attack. Many seriously injured people died during treatment, bringing the death toll to 57.
Why did the violence start?
Following this, violence broke out between the Alizai and Bagan tribal groups. At least 37 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes that took place in the Bagan Bazaar area last Friday and Saturday. The violence also spread to other areas including Balishkhel, Khar, Kali, Junj Alizai and Maqbal.
Ceasefire and skirmishes
On November 26, the government announced a seven-day ceasefire between Shia and Sunni communities, which was later extended to ten days. Despite this, minor clashes between both sides continued. According to police and hospital sources, as of Friday, 65 people have lost their lives in the shootings.
The administration busy calming the matter
The total number killed in the violence since November 21 has reached 122, while 145 people have been injured. The local administration and security forces are trying to control the situation, but tension between the two communities persists. Following the instructions of the Governor and the Chief Minister, efforts have been intensified to normalize the situation in the disturbed area. However, restoring peace in the region remains a challenge due to ongoing clashes.
