In search of peace: Sunni and Shia elders hold jirga at DC’s office

Both sects decide to convene another jirga on April 19, discuss common issues further to ensure peace in the region.

HANGU:

In a bid to help restore peace and end sectarian violence in the district, a jirga of Sunni and Shia elders was convened at the deputy commissioner’s office on Wednesday.

Malik Farman, Zaheer Hussain, Rahmat Hussain and Maulana Abdul Sattar, Rahim Umar and Noor Khan represented the two sects at the office of Deputy Commissioner Syed Ahmad Jan and discussed multiple issues regarding law and order.

During the meeting, Sunni elders informed their counterparts that the Muharram processions that pass through the main city result in clashes and requested that alternative routes should be explored to thwart any sectarian disharmony.

Shia elders said that they will consider the request and do everything within their power to thwart such incidents. Members of both sects decided to form an alliance to resist conspiracies aimed at destroying the peace of the city and the surrounding areas.

Both sects decided to convene another jirga on April 19 to discuss the common issues further and sign a deal ensuring permanent peace in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2014.