Kurram unrest

The tribal district of Kurram had its one more bout of lawlessness. The strategic area bordering Afghanistan, and home to pestering sectarianism, saw a deal between elders of different clans on Sunday, as a week-long showdown came to an end. The brawl claimed dozens of lives and damaged property beyond estimates, along with a blanket blackout of electricity and internet services all these days. The clash owing to an attack on vehicles in Charkhel, along the Tall-Parachinar road, pushed the entire valley into uncertainty and then it was apparently free for all as men came out to settle their scores under the pretext of renewed gun-fight. Kurram is one of the most contested hotbeds of sectarianism and where feuds are the order of the day. This time around a clash that could have been averted more prudently by peers went out of proportion in no time. This is where future confidence building measures among the resident communities must come into play, and a formal protocol inked to ensure that none of the aggrieved sides go over the brink.

Parachinar and the low-lying areas are unfortunately in a serious geographical divide in terms of sectarianism. Moreover, the Afghan factor and free flow of men and material across the district makes it more horrendous. Despite the presence of paramilitary forces and regular army troops, the lid goes off in no time and the entire district administration struggles to calm down the situation for days and weeks. This hints at a serious compatibility problem and can only be addressed by maximising the participation of locals in affairs of the district, and recreating new valves of instant communication in exigency.

It is a positive aspect that tribal and communal elders are widely respected, and have played a marvelous role in reconciliation all these years. But the unrest ignition is probably due to outsiders who play foul and mend their axe. Complete community policing, as is the superb role of local scouts, can deliver more promptly in easing the situation. Time to build new bridges of communal harmony in the restive district.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2023.

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