 |
 |
| Kurram clashes |
|
|
|
| Tuesday, June 30, 2009 |
| The restive Kurram Agency, on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has witnessed another round of sectarian clashes. At least eight people have died. There are fears of a full-scale resurgence of the violence that has over the past few years caused hundreds of deaths as Sunni and Shia tribes clash. Indeed, while the government has essentially stood by and watched, twiddling its' thumbs, there has been what amounts to a genocide in Kurram – the only tribal agency that houses a significant non-Sunni population. The Shias have in some places reportedly been virtually wiped out; those who could do so have fled. While the region has a long history of sectarian tensions, the recent increase in violence is attributed to the influence of the Taliban, and their orthodox, Sunni ideology. Worse still, as far as people are concerned, is the isolation of the agency. The main road to the principal town of Parachinar has been cut off for almost two years. The consequences are grave. Supplies of medicines and many food items are not reaching the area. Those who are sick suffer. Some accounts say children have died. It is time for the authorities to move in. An All-Parties Conference (APC) in Parachinar has already demanded this after the latest surge of violence. The people of Kurram have waited far too long to be rescued from the state of siege they face. Most of them wish only to live peaceful lives without the constant threat of death stalking them. It is the duty of government to grant them this wish. There is another reason for action to be taken. The location of Kurram makes it strategically important as far as the wider fight against terrorism goes. It is said that some key crossing points into Afghanistan, which have been used by militants, are located within it. If the authorities are serious in their desire to clean up the northern areas and flush out the militants, now is the time to move in. |
Visit
www.parachinar616.blogspot.com
view my profile
or join
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks For your Valuable Comments.