Kurram crisis: Gandapur for ‘shoot on sight’ action against miscreants

KOHAT: In a strong warning, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur called for a zero-tolerance approach against troublemakers responsible for the Kurram crisis. “Shoot-on-sight action should be taken against agitators who disrupt peace,” he said, underlining the government’s resolve to maintain order.

Speaking at the KP’s Grand Jirga held in Kohat on Saturday, he emphasized the need for unity and decisive action to end the ongoing conflict in the Kurram district, calling it not a land dispute but a product of deep-seated hatred.

Ali Amin also urged the Jirga members to take a firm stand against sectarianism and violence.

“If the issue were purely about land, the government could purchase it. But who will decide ownership?” Gandapur asked, highlighting the complexity of the dispute. “Our religion forbids us from engaging in sectarianism. Those who label others as infidels must be silenced,” he added.

Gandapur stressed the need to identify and stop those spreading violence and hatred through the use of weapons. He announced that the government would fully empower the Grand Jirga, pledging to accept and implement its decisions. “The Grand Jirga has our full support, and its verdict will be binding on us,” he assured.

Addressing the actions required to restore peace, Gandapur called for the demolition of all militant bunkers in the region. “These bunkers have been emptied before, but troublemakers reoccupy them at the first opportunity,” he said, while pointing out that authorities had dismantled similar strongholds in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.

The KP CM underscored the importance of safeguarding women and children, saying, “In accordance with Islamic traditions, no harm should come to women and children during conflicts.” He warned that armed agitators and those inciting hatred on social media would face severe consequences. “Those who spread hate on social media are terrorists and should be made an example,” he declared.

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Gandapur also called for practical measures to address the situation. He urged the deployment of officials in Kurram who understand tribal customs and are capable of leading Jirga processes. Additionally, he proposed that tribal elders deposit their weapons with the government for safekeeping.

He instructed security forces to disarm militant groups in the region and urged the Grand Jirga to persuade both sides to honor an agreement reached between them in 2008. “Both parties must vacate and demolish their bunkers, and the Jirga must ensure adherence to the 200 Agreement,” he said.

While emphasizing the government’s resolve to restore peace, the KP CM said, “If the government wishes, it can achieve anything. The time has come to end the violence and restore harmony in Kurram.”

According to APP, the Grand Jirga of the National Unity Council Kohat Division held under the chairmanship of former chief justice of Peshawar High Court Justice Syed Ibne Ali, and attended by elders and political leaders.

On the occasion, Justice Syed Ibne Ali said the public should avoid negative propaganda and baseless rumours. “The Hangu-Kohat road is open to all types of traffic, and we welcome the people of Hangu from the bottom of our hearts as they are our brothers”, he added.

Kurram district has been grappling with unrest for a long time, reportedly stemming from a land dispute between tribes. The conflict frequently escalates into violence, leading to exchanges of gunfire. According to Geo News, the clashes have claimed 124 lives.

The deadliest incident in the series was an attack on a convoy of 200 passenger vans, which left at least 40 people dead.

On November 24, the warring tribes agreed to a seven-day ceasefire, during which they planned to exchange captives and bodies. A delegation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, led by provincial information adviser Barrister Saif, facilitated negotiations between the rival groups.

However, clashes among the tribes continued despite the ceasefire agreement. On Thursday, Geo News reported that the death toll had risen to 124, with 12 more people killed and 18 others injured in fresh clashes following the truce.