The Kosh-Solangi clashes, which began 18 months ago, have claimed more than 90 lives, including that of tribal chief Aslam Solangi. Dozens of people have been injured. Sardar Alamgir Kosh told The Express Tribune that he has contacted former zila nazim Ghotki Sardar Ali Gohar Maher, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz chairman Bashir Qureshi and parliamentary secretary for education Gul Muhammad Jakhrani to mediate between the warring tribes.
While Aslam Solangi vows to avenge the death of his elder brother, Akram, Sardar Nawaz Kosh insists that Aslam killed his son, Azizullah.Kosh said that he felt anxious that so many people of both tribes have lost their lives and he wanted to put an end to the fight once and for all. He believed, however, that the rival Solangi sardar is not ready to bury the past.
Sardar Akram Solangi could not be reached for his comments. Kosh made it clear that he was ready for reconciliations without any conditions.
Ghotki DPO Saqib Ismail Memon said that he was doing everything he could to end the dispute between the Kosh and Solangis and has started negotiations with the respective sardars.
“Our first priority is to arrest the criminals, involved in murders, in both the Kosh and Solangi clans so that they can be tried by the law,” Memon said, adding that once the culprits are arrested from both tribes then the two families will agree to negotiate. “As long as the culprits are at large, there will be no end to the bloody war,” he said.
Schools, farming land and the economy of Ubauro, Machko, Mir Kosh and Noor Stop have suffered immensely because of the fighting. But Memon is hopeful that the authorities will succeed in bringing about peace.
Over a year ago, two students, Kaloo Kosh and Azizullah Kosh, were killed allegedly by Solangi tribesmen. This marked the beginning of their conflict. It has not been limited to guns. They have gone so far as to use rockets to destroy each other’s settlements.
Roadside restos and cafes in the area are deserted as residents choose to either stay indoors or remain hidden in trenches to avoid sudden attacks on their villages.
Taking advantage of this unrest, illegal arms dealers have started bringing supplies and ammunition from Balochistan via Kashmore and are selling them to the warring tribes at exorbitant prices.
MNAs and MPAs elected from the area have yet to take interest in the dispute. Residents feel that the police, elected representatives, landlords and influential people are all in cahoots with each other and only a member of the judiciary can help. They have demanded the registration of a case against the police and influential persons for the killing so many people. Social and religious groups have tried to intervene to end the tensions but with little results.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2010.
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