Tribal clash: Feud that cost 32 lives in Shikarpur comes to an end

Fine of over Rs34 million levied on both Sawand and Sabzoi tribes

SUKKUR: The long-standing dispute between the ardent rival tribes of Sawand and Sabzoi has been resolved amicably via a jirga court at the Jatoi House, in Shikarpur, on Friday.

A fine of more than Rs34 million was levied on both parties for the murder of 32 members of both tribes. A jirga was jointly headed by former parliamentarian Ibrahim Jatoi as well as former Sindh minister Manzoor Panhwar to bring an end to the 10-year long dispute.

Azhar Ali Kamario and Ali Nawaz Sawand represented the Sawand tribe, while Tegho Khan Teghani and Chakar Domki spoke for the Sabzoi tribe. After detailed deliberation of over two hours, Karim Dino Jatoi read out the verdict of the tribal council. The Sawand tribesmen were found guilty of killing 16 of the opposing tribesmen as well as injuring seven. They were slapped with a fine of Rs17.7 million.

Similarly, the Sabzoi tribe were also found responsible for the murder of 16 of the Sawand tribesmen. Furthermore, they were found culpable for causing injury to five and were forced to pay Rs16.9 million.

The tribal council fixed a fine of Rs1 million for every murder committed, whereas Rs50,000 to Rs500,000 was set based on the severity of the injury. Moreover, the tribal council explicitly warned both of the parties that any further aggression from any side would make them liable to pay Rs2.5 million.

The verdict was accepted by the tribes and they vowed to not carry out any further aggression in the future.

The dispute began back in 2006 over the theft of cattle. As a result, so far 176 people have been killed and dozens injured in the ensuing violence.

Previously, two separate jirgas - once in 2009 and again in 2010 - have tried to resolve the dispute but to no avail.

However, the jirga held last night, successfully resolved the murder of 32 people as well as injury to 12 amicably.

Owing to security concerns, a heavy contingent of police was stationed at the venue to avert any untoward incident.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2017.