21 more people were killed in recent violence in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in Pakistan. More than 30 people were injured. The casualties occurred in the early hours of Saturday (November 23) in retaliatory attacks, arson and gunfire. Earlier, fresh violence erupted two days after more than 40 people were killed in an attack on a fleet of vehicles on Thursday. The death toll in the three-day conflict has risen to 64. Pakistani media Dawn reported this news.
The provincial law minister, inspector general of police, chief secretary and other top officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government were present in the restive district during the rampage.
According to government officials, armed groups opened fire, looted government buildings, and set fire to markets and homes. An official, who did not wish to be named, said the situation was out of control. There was complete chaos.
Sources said armed groups from Parachinar headquarters attacked villages around Bagan Bazar and Lower Kurram on Friday midnight. This led to a heavy exchange of fire between the rival groups.
Intermittent firing between the two sides continued till Saturday evening at various places in Lower Kurram.
Meanwhile, irregular firing was also reported from Upper Kurram. But the situation there was very much under control.
Government officials said rival groups were holding several hostages, including women and children. The bodies are also refusing to be returned.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said talks are underway to release the hostages and recover the dead and injured.
Locals are fleeing their homes to surrounding areas due to the violence.
Minister Aftab Alam said that the government delegation discussed with Kurram district elders. He said that the biggest problem is the land dispute. The provincial government has decided to set up a commission to resolve these disputes.
