Wednesday, May 21, 2008

50-men peace jirga arrested in Kurram

PESHAWAR - Around 50 elders of Hangu Peace Jirga from both Sunni and Shia sects were arrested under Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) when they failed to reach a reconciliation for bringing peace in Kurram Agency here on Tuesday.
To settle down the confrontation between the two sects-Sunni and Shia in the Kurram Agency, Hangu Peace Jirga was formed. The jirga had held several meetings for patch up between the two sects.
However, this grand jirga having a total of 50 tribal elders failed to overcome their differences despite the fact that the jirga held marathon sessions since May 9.
The law enforcement agencies took into custody all the members of the jirga when it remained inconclusive to overcome the differences between the Sunnis and Shias as dozens of people have been killed from both the sides during their clashes in Kurram Agency. The arrested members of the jirga have been shifted to Central Jail Peshawar.
Meanwhile, district nazim Hangu and member of the Jirga, Khan Afzal addressing a press conference said that jirga had held several meetings, but unfortunately failed to resolve the issues.
He said that he would request the government to release all the arrested elders and encourage dialogue between the two sects as peace and stability in Kurram Agency is a must.
Meanwhile, while talking to reporters, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik reaffirmed the government's commitments of going to bring peace and stability in the region through peaceful and political ways as use of force is no solution.
To another query, he said the troops would remain in tribal areas till return of peace to the region. He added that in this respect, efforts on the part of government are going on and they are determined to go for talks with tribesmen. He also called upon the tribesmen to extend support to government functionaries in this respect.

The Nation
Wednesday, May 21, 2008