KURRAM: In fresh clashes between Bushehra and Ahmadzai tribes that took place in Bagan and Alizai areas of Lower Kurram, 32 people lost their lives while 30 got critically injured on Saturday (23rd November, 2024).
The counter attack overnight came two days after gunmen ambushed a convoy of 200 vans carrying Shia voyagers (escorted by Police force) between Peshawar-Parachinar and killed 45 ahl-e-tashee men, women and children. Bewildered by the never ending sectarian clashes, a section of populace relocated in Hangu and Peshawar.
In order to negotiate with the belligerent Bushehra and Ahmadzai tribes, Provincial Govt of KP had sent to Kurram a delegation consisting of KP Law Minister Aftab Alam, KP Chief Secretary Aslam Chaudhry, Kohat Division Commissioner and Kohat Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
Chopper carrying the delegation from Peshawar to Kurram was also shot at when the pilot attempted to land it here on Saturday. The heli and its occupants escaped unhurt. Nevertheless, KP Law Minister dismissed the report saying no such incident took place and all the members safely reached Kurram.
Following the killing of 43 Shia voyagers on 21st Nov by unknown gunmen here, armed mob opened fire, ransacked public buildings, looted markets, set fire to checkpoints, residential and commercial batiments.
Due to law and order situation, all the educational institutions remained closed and the civilians have been advised to stay indoors.
It may be recalled that in what obviously was a sectarian clash, ten unidentified militants fired from both sides of the road at Shia passengers travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar in a convoy consisting 200 vans here on 21st Nov, killing 43 Shia men, women, children (as well as cops escorting them) and injuring thirty (who have been shifted to THQ Hospital Alizai and other facilities).
Although GoP is maintaining that the tragedy was the result of an ongoing land dispute ruling out sectarian motives, the point to ponder is that the disagreement is still between Shia and Non-Shia claimants of the terrain.
It is pertinent to mention here that in the month of July 2024, Bushehra and Ahmadzai tribes remained engaged in deadly clashes for 6 weeks. Then the skirmishes in August, September and October (2024) devoured 100 lives.
In order to make things more complicated a conspiracy theory has also been hatched that TTP is behind the attack. TTP Syndrome, Sectarian Clash or Land Dispute: Crux of the matter is that people want to live a tranquil life.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Lalley, Spokesperson of the US Mission here, while commenting on the 21st Nov attack on passengers in Kurram (that claimed 42 lives) has stated that his country joined the GoP in condemning the horrific attack in Kurram that killed dozens of innocent Pakistanis and critically injured many more.
“Our sympathies and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we wish the injured a full and speedy recovery. The Pakistani people deserve to live free from harm, danger, and threat, and to feel protected and secure in their daily lives.
“The United States will remain a steadfast partner as Pakistan works to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens. We stand in solidarity with Pakistan and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this difficult time.”
Newspakistan.tv
