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Ending Kurram’s sectarian strife

Ending Kurram's sectarian strife

By Asad Munir

June 25, 2010

The writer has served as head of the ISI and MI for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Fata (asad.munir@tribune.com.pk)

Kurram Agency was part of Afghanistan until the signing of the Gandamak Treaty on May 26, 1879. As per clause nine of this treaty, the districts of Kurram, Pishin and Sibi, were placed under the protection and administrative control of the British government, but were not permanently severed from the limits of the Afghan kingdom. The revenues of these districts, after deducting the charges of civil administration, were remitted to Afghanistan. In 1893, the Durand line Treaty was signed and Kurram became a part of British India. Kurram's area is 3,380 sq km and population is around 500,000. The main tribes are Turi, Bangash, Mangal and Parachamkani while Orakzai, Massozai, Alisherzai, Zaimusht, Kharotai, Ghalgi, Zadran,Muqbal and Hazara also live there. Kurram is divided into three sub-divisions: upper, lower and central. The first two are administered through the Frontier Crime Regulation, the Kohat Pact and customary law known as 'Turizuna', while central Kurram is administrated indirectly through tribal elders. Kurram and Orakzai are the two areas of Fata where Shia-Sunni strife causes major law and order issues. The sectarian conflict and inter-tribal rivalry are intertwined and a dispute over, say, water between two villages, can spread to the entire area.

In 1982, sectarian violence started in Sadda in lower Kurram. Sixty-eight Shia families were forced to abandon their homes and had to take refuge in Parachinar. The matter was resolved through a jirga in 1990, but the decision has still not been implemented. In April and November 2007, the worst sectarian fighting in Kurram's history took place. The Taliban had infiltrated the Sunni area and raised a local Taliban force. Their commander was under Baitullah Mehsud's direct control. Forty villages were destroyed, and about 2,060 houses were set ablaze. More than 2,300 families were displaced and 95 places of worship were attacked. Land mines were planted in the fields. Snipers from both sects continuously fired on their opponent's villages. The Thall-Parichinar road was closed for Shias, who in retaliation prevented the Sunnis of upper Kurram from travelling on the Parachinar road. The political administration took some steps that defused the situation, but was not a permanent solution. In October 2008, an accord was signed in Murree.The elders and tribal chiefs of the two rivals — the Turi and Mangal tribes — signed a written agreement in the presence of the members of parliament from the Agency for a permanent peace. However, this accord has yet to be implemented. Clearly, this needs to be done.

Adequate force should be placed at the disposal of the political administration. Legislators from the agency should be involved and jirgas should be held to implement the Murree Agreement. The Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary and police should be deployed to block routes from North Waziristan, and in Tor Ghar Mamoo up to Hugu, so that the Hangu-Thall-Parachinar road can be made safe for travel. Rehabilitation of IDPs should also be made in phases. As a first step, elders of both sects should engage to settle the displaced Sunnis and Shias of lower Kurram. The decision of resettlement of Shias, displaced from Sadda in 1982, must be implemented through a jirga. Compensation should be paid to all whose property was destroyed during the conflict. Also, properties confiscated during the fighting, should be returned to the real owners through the jirga, comprising of elders from both sects. The crisis in Kurram is not a normal law and order situation. It needs special handling and a focused strategy.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2010.

source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/23495/ending-kurram%E2%80%99s-sectarian-strife/

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Kohat varsity fails to provide roll number slips

Kohat varsity fails to provide roll number slips

Several Kurram students miss paper

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

PARACHINAR: Several students of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Kurram Agency could not appear in the fist paper on Tuesday as the Kohat University failed to provide them roll number slips in time, sources said.

The sources said BA and BSc examinations got underway and first paper - Islamiyat (compulsory) — was scheduled for Tuesday but several students were not allowed to enter the examination hall because they did not have the roll number slips.

The students made pleas to the examination staff that it was not their fault but to no avail.The affected students later staged a protest to voice their resentment at the negligence on the part of the Kohat University staff and demanded action by the higher authorities.

Some of the students, Abdullah, Javed and Mohammad Ghulam who missed the paper, told The News that the Kohat University was meting step motherly treatment to the students from Kurram Agency.

The aggrieved students demanded of the university authorities to provide them roll number slips so that they could appear in the remaining papers. They also requested the governor and other relevant authorities to take action against the erring staff of the examination department of the university whose irresponsible action caused them academic loss.

source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=246647

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Bangash, Mangal tribes hold successful talks

Wednesday, 16 June, 2010

Bangash, Mangal tribes hold successful talks

Staff Report

KURRAM AGENCY: The supply of electricity and water was restored in Shalozan and Tangi villages of Kurram Agency after successful talks between Mangal and Bangash tribes.

The two villages were deprived of electricity and water following the deadly clashes between above rival tribesmen, in which dozens of people were killed and several others were wounded.

According to Political Agent Nasir Khan, Mangal and Bangash tribes had extended full cooperation with the jirga members. As a result, the longstanding issue of water and electricity restoration was amicably resolved. SAMAA

source: http://www.samaa.tv/News21193-Bangash_Mangal_tribes_hold_successful_talks.aspx

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Parachinar air service

Parachinar air service

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Kundi lauds Gliding Club’s role in promoting adventure sports

Kundi lauds Gliding Club's role in promoting adventure sports

ISLAMABAD, June 14 (APP): Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday praised Hawk Gliding Club's for working to promote adventure sports in the country and said this had greatly helped raise image of the country .

Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Hawk Gliding Club here at a local hotel, he said Club's efforts would boost sports industry in Pakistan.
"When I look at the achievements of the club, it gives me immense pleasure that these are truly in line with its objectives. Therefore, to celebrate its journey is of immense importance," he said.
He said that the Club had recently introduced adventure Air Sports in Kenya which besides strengthening Pakistan's ties with that country would also help present Pakistan's high-level of commitment at the international level.
He said that the record of the Club showed that it had always volunteered its services in the time of need. "In the year 2005, the Club used its para-motors to help earthquake victims. Then again it offered its services for the people of Parachinar by importing an Aircraft to carry passengers from Peshawar to Parachinar and for the evacuation of medical emergencies from Parachinar to nearby areas," he said.
He said that being the youngest Deputy Speaker and Patron of Young Parliamentarians Forum, he had always motivated young people and if they become part of the Hawk Gliding Club it would enhance their skills.
"The Club's efforts to produce some successful TV serials generated a lot of interest and enthusiasm in the youth for adventure sports. Besides, training officers from Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, the club has shown hardcore professionalism." he added.
The Hawk Gliding Club has also trained 5000 males and females in adventure sports in Pakistan.
Kundi said the task which the Club had taken for promoting adventure sports in the country along with gearing the potential of the people was indeed highly appreciable. This effort should be accelerated because "we want such Clubs in Pakistan," he added.

source: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=106273&Itemid=1

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Seven militants die in Kurram IED blast

Seven militants die in Kurram IED blast

Sunday, June 13, 2010
By our correspondent

PARACHINAR: Seven militants were killed in an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chapri Kandao area in central part of Kurram tribal region on Saturday.

Official sources said a double-cabin pickup carrying seven militants was on its way to Chapri Kandao from Tharitang when it hit the IED in Chapri Kandao.

Pleading anonymity, an official said the militants had come to Kurram Agency from Orakzai tribal region. They said it was not clear as to who had planted the explosive device to target the militants.

It was for the first time that a vehicle carrying Taliban had been targetted in such an attack.

Officials said it could be an act of a rival faction of militants due to differences among the Taliban fighters over certain issues.

Meanwhile, the authorities arrested four militants and held their car near Teendo, Sadda subdivision and recovered arms from their possession. According to officials, three militants belonged to central part of Kurram Agency while one hailed from nearby Orakzai Agency.

source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=244780

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source: http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/local/peshawar/200-teachers-dismissed-in-kurram-agency-160

Friday, June 11, 2010

200 teachers dismissed in Kurram Agency

Bureau Report
Friday, 11 Jun, 2010

PESHAWAR, June 10: About 200 teachers working in different government schools in Kurram Agency for the last seven years have been laid off.

They were hired on temporary basis in 2004 from across the agency after a formal test and interviews.

The teachers had been performing duties in boys and girls schools despite lack of facilities and incentives in the tribal region where a blockade for the last three years had badly affected daily life.

They have now been told not to come after June 30. "The affected teachers have expressed their disappointment and anger over the insensitive attitude of the education authorities", a teacher told Dawn.

Elders and religious leaders of the tribal region have demanded of the government not to deprive the families of the teachers of their livelihood.

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http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=244357

200 contract teachers ‘sacked’ in Kurram Agency

200 contract teachers 'sacked' in Kurram Agency

Friday, June 11, 2010
By Ali Afzal Afzaal

PARACHINAR: Two hundred teachers, inducted nearly seven years ago in the state-run schools on contract basis, were sacked in the violence-hit Kurram Agency on Thursday.

Sources said the teachers had been appointed on contract basis to make up for the lack of staff in the government schools in Kurram Agency in 2004 after proper procedure of tests and interviews. The sources said the education department in Kurram sacked the teachers with effect from June 30, 2010.

Two of the sacked teachers, Tajir Hussain and Zamin Hussain, told The News that when they contacted the agency education officials in this regard, they said they had nothing to do with this matter as it had been done by the high-ups of the education department.

Meanwhile, this scribe tried to contact Agency Education Officer Muhammad Afzal several times but he was unavailable to comment on the issue.

The social and political circles expressed their concern over the government decision, arguing that the education of children was already at stake in the area because of violence. They said the decision would not only affect the students but also the poor families of the teachers whose jobs were terminated.

The teachers and tribal elders asked the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments to take note of the issue and withdraw the termination order of the teachers to save the future of children in Kurram Agency.

SOURCE:

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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

COAS seeks tribal elders’ help for peace

COAS seeks tribal elders' help for peace

Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Assures them of restoring normalcy; visits Kurram, Orakzai

By our correspondent

PARACHINAR/KALAYA: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Tuesday visited the Kurram and Orakzai agencies and assured the tribal elders that security forces would extend to them all-out support in establishing peace across the tribal belt.

In Parachinar, the agency headquarters of Kurram Agency, the Army chief addressed both the Shia and Sunni tribal elders at the Jirga Hall. He asked the elders to support the Army's efforts in establishing the writ of the state and restoration of peace. He lauded the sacrifices of the tribal people in the face of militancy and assured them thatsecurity forces would protect their lives and property.

He approved the construction of Army Public School and College in Kurram Agency with immediate effect.Later, General Kayani flew to Orakzai Agency, where he was briefed at Kalaya, the agency headquarters, on the ongoing military action against the militants.

General Kayani addressed a 30-member Jirga of tribal elders, belonging to Ferozkhel, Bezotkhel, Utmankhel, Sheikhan, Meshtikhel and Manikhel tribes. He underlined the need for the tribesmenís support in restoring peace in the area.

On the occasion, he announced the raising of Orakzai Scouts with headquarters in Kalaya. The elders warmly received the Army chief and presented him a traditional turban and two sheep as per the tribal tradition.

Meanwhile, a press release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said General Kayani interacted with the troops in Orakzai and Kurram and greatly appreciated their professionalism and high morale.

He reassured the tribal elders that return of normalcy to the area and prosperity would be ensured. General Kayani's visit to Orakzai Agency marks the successful conclusion of operations in the tribal region. Return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is expected to start shortly.

The COAS appreciated the professional conduct of the operation, which has cleared the tribal region of terrorists.

Source: http://thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=29228

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