Seven more killed in Kurram clashes, death toll reaches 97

Kurram: All attempts to end hostilities through a ceasefire agreement between the parties in Kurram Agency failed and seven more people were killed in fresh clashes, taking the death toll to nearly 100.

According to the media reports, seven more people lost their lives in fresh clashes on Friday, taking the death toll to 97.

Clashes continued between tribesmen from Bagan, Talukunj, Badshah Kot, Irfani Kala Jalami, and Chidriwal areas, with officials saying Ishaq Hussain, a close aide of a top commander of a militant outfit, was also killed in the clashes.

A day earlier, intermittent firing had been going on in the upper and lower parts of the district, killing 12 people and injuring 18, taking the death toll to 90.

On the other hand, the jirga working to mediate the peace process has not yet visited the district, but the Deputy Commissioner of Kurram said that the visit will be soon.

It is pertinent to note that the recent armed conflict in Kurram Agency began last week after an attack on a convoy of vehicles in Lower Kurram, in which more than 40 people were killed. Later, after the local administration and tribal elders played their roles, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the warring parties.

Life is not going as usual across the district after the recent tension. As a result of the tense situation, there has also been a shortage of essential goods and medicines in the district, while schools across the district are still closed, and mobile service has also been suspended since the clashes last week.

On Tuesday, the parties in Kurram agreed to extend the week-long ceasefire, which was due to end on November 30, by another 10 days, despite the incidents of violence.

Following negotiations held by a jirga in the Alizai area, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud announced an extension of the ceasefire for another 10 days.