In northwestern Pakistan’s Kurram district, at least 82 people were killed and 156 injured following three days of sectarian violence, authorities confirmed on Sunday, November 24. The violence broke out after ambushes on Thursday targeted two police-escorted convoys of Shiite Muslims, resulting in 43 deaths and sparking fierce gun battles in the region.
Kurram, part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, has long been a hotspot for Sunni-Shia tensions in the Sunni-majority country. The recent outbreak has further strained relations between the communities. According to a local official, the casualties include 16 Sunnis and 66 Shias, with ongoing conflict forcing around 300 families to flee. Key district infrastructure remains disrupted, with mobile networks down and main highway traffic halted.
Efforts to restore peace are underway, as a provincial government delegation held discussions with the Shiite community on Saturday and planned to engage with the Sunni community on Sunday. However, the situation remains volatile, as the delegation’s helicopter reportedly came under gunfire upon arrival, but no injuries occurred.
The Kurram district, historically plagued by sectarian violence, was integrated into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, but peace has remained elusive. The recent violence adds to a string of clashes that have resulted in over 79 deaths between July and October, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. Aftab Alam Afridi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Law Minister, emphasized focusing on establishing a ceasefire to address the underlying issues driving these conflicts.
The repeated violence has sparked widespread condemnation, with hundreds protesting in cities like Lahore and Karachi, calling for an end to the bloodshed. The situation highlights the persistent challenge of addressing sectarian tensions in the region.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/300-flee-after-82-killed-over-shia-sunni-clashes-in-pakistan-1126420-2024-11-24?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-11-24 18:57:00
