Five killed in clan clash as Junejo feud turns deadly

Suspects detained as hostage dispute sparks hours-long gun battle in Daraza Sharif

HYDERABAD:

Five men were shot dead and as many were injured in an armed fight between two groups of Junejo cast in Khairpur district on Saturday. The incident happened in village Waryo Wahan in Daraza Sharif, home to the shrine of Hazrat Sachal Sarmast (RA).

According to the police, the old dispute between Ajab Junejo and Malhar Junejo groups became reignited when Piaro and Noman, brothers, were held hostage. An effort to secure their release resulted in an armed fight in which Lal Junejo of one party and Saindad Junejo of the other side were killed.

In retaliation, both brothers were also gunned down. A video of the slain brothers was recorded and shared on social media, demanding to know why they had entered the area. "If this was not your fight, why did one of your brothers take part in the clash and attack our man's father?" one of the speakers asked. Six men sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire, which continued for several hours before police responded.

One of the injured, Sohail Junejo, succumbed to injuries at GIMS hospital in Gambat Khairpur while five of the injured still remained under treatment. A large police contingent later kick-started a search operation in the village, rounding up around 20 suspects. The police also reportedly demolished some houses belonging to the suspected killers.

The Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and Inspector General of Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho took notice of the incident and directed the Khairpur police to take action. The incident's FIR could not be registered by Sunday.