| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| 15 more killed in Kurrum Agency sectarian violence |
| 2007-04-12 |
| At least 15 people were killed as sectarian violence erupted again in Kurrum Agency on Wednesday bringing the death toll from fierce clashes between Sunni and Shia Muslims to at least 55, security officials and residents said. Rival groups clashed in two villages near the curfew-bound tribal town of Parachinar, leaving twelve people dead, security officials said. Residents said at least 40 houses were torched in Jalime and Char Dewar villages on the outskirts of Parachinar. Women and children fled to the nearby town of Alizai, they said. Political Agent Sahibzada Anees confirmed the violence erupted after two days of lull but gave no casualty figures. “We have sent troops to the area and are collecting details of the casualties,” Anees told AFP. An exchange of gunfire also took place in Sadda town in which three people were killed, officials said. Troops rushed to the area and brokered a truce between the warring groups, they said. Meanwhile, a jirga of 20 Shia and Sunni clerics each headed towards Parachinar from Hangu to broker a ceasefire between the warring sects, Online reported. A private television channel reported that clashes between the two sects continued in Balashkhel Sada, Chamkani, Para, Karman, Dewar and Teri Mangal, but the situation in the city was under control amidst heavy security presence. The channel reported that the fighting damaged the main power transmission lines in Alizai, suspending electricity supply to the entire agency. It added that tribesmen were facing a food shortage due to the blockage of the Tal-Parachinar road. |
| Posted by:Fred |