Crossfire: Shoot-out leaves two LI members dead

BARA:

Two members of Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) were allegedly killed while five others were injured in a shoot-out with members of a peace committee in Akakhel in Bara, Khyber Agency on Sunday.

Those on ground said gunfire was exchanged between the LI and the peace lashkar early morning, leaving two members of the outlawed group dead.

The deceased were identified as Noor Gulab and Sayed, while five others were injured. Locals added after the shoot-out, members of the peace committee claimed to have seized Gulzar Markaz from the hold of LI.

In recent times, the banned outfit has established strong footholds in the area, forcing tribesmen to offer recruits and pay ‘gratification’.

Recently, Kukikhel tribal elders formed a Grand Jirga for the restoration of peace in Khyber Agency.

Even though the jirga refused to hand over several tribesmen, it agreed to try and rid the agency of illegal weapons and foreign militants.

Elders of the tribe also agreed to register their light weapons with the political administration.

They promised to identify and take action against foreigners living amongst them who sabotage law and order.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2014.