Ghotki rallies for peace and an end to tribal feuds

The dispute between the Solangi and Kosh tribes has claimed nearly 100 lives.

SUKKUR: Most parts of the district have become no-go areas because of bloody tribal feuds, said protesters at a rally and sit-in organised near the National Highway in Ghotki where traffic remained suspended for over an hour on Sunday.

The crowd was led through the city by Shahree Ittehad officials Shahnawaz Waseer, Rauf Dayo and Hussain Sarang.

They said that it was possible to have peace in Ghotki if the elected representatives and Sardars made a sincere and conscious effort. Protesters could be seen carrying placards and banners chanting slogans for peace and against tribal feuds.

“Some people have a vested interest in these feuds, so far hundreds of lives have been lost while many others have been injured,” said the officials.

“These disputes are usually solved through jirgas, but it seems as if they are not serving their purpose properly.” They added that the authorities must monitor the amount of ammunition in the city as modern and sophisticated weapons were in easy reach of the people. Waseer, Dayo and Sarang claimed that people were afraid to go to work in the fields and send their children to school because of the ongoing feuds.

Tribal clashes

The most blood has been shed between the Solangi and Kosh tribesmen, in a feud which started eight years ago over theft. So far nearly 100 people have been killed.

The feud is said to have intensified three years ago when men from the Kosh tribe killed Solangi Sardar Aslam Khan.

Most of the feuds start over something petty and are blown out of proportion.

Currently there is a feud between the Shar and Bhutto tribes, the Ghoto and Chachar tribes, the Bozdar and Gadani tribe, the Mahar and Gabole tribe, the Sundrani and Chachar tribe and the Shar and Loond tribe.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th,  2011.