Islamabad, December 1 (IANS). The death toll in communal violence in Kurram district of Pakistan’s north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has increased to 124. The local administration has shared this information.
According to Xinhua news agency, an official of the local administration of the district said on Saturday that the death toll has increased after 16 more people were killed in armed clashes during the last 24 hours, while more than 170 people were injured.
The official said that most of the injured have been admitted to different hospitals, including those in critical condition.
The violence began when armed men attacked a convoy of passenger vehicles coming from Parachinar area in Mandori proper area of the district on November 21, killing 52 people, including children and women.
According to the official, the incident triggered armed clashes and attacks between the two groups, including Shia and Sunni Muslims.
The tense situation and closure of the main highway has led to severe shortages of food, fuel and medicines, with internet and mobile services also suspended.
Apart from this, daily life in the area has also been affected as fear has spread among the people.
Following the attack on passenger coaches, a high-level delegation from the provincial government visited the district and held meetings with elders, resulting in a ceasefire agreement, but clashes could not be stopped.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud told the media that efforts were being made to ensure a ceasefire by involving elders from both sides to declare a ceasefire after both sides refused to heed the ceasefire organized by the government delegation.
–IANS
AKS/AS
