Sectarian Violence in Kurram: An Ongoing Tragedy
Sectarian clashes have once again erupted in the Kurram. This is not the first time that the Kurram region of Pakistan has witnessed sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shia communities. Such conflicts often escalated during the month of Muharram.
The two tribes ‘Bushehra and Malikhel’, as per a local police official, have been fighting since last Wednesday when a gunman opened fire at a council negotiating a decades-long dispute over farmland.
Sectarian Nature of the Conflict
Although the violence is being framed as being driven by land disputes, the underlying cause is deeply sectarian. Both Shia and Sunni groups have engaged in violent attacks against each other, with accusations of planned genocides and targeted killings further fueling the hatred.
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Overview of the Conflict
1. Initial Clashes:
– The clashes began in Boshera and quickly spread to other areas.
– The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 50 people and injuries to 226 others, with heavy weaponry being used extensively.
Heavy Weaponry and Military Involvement:
The use of tanks, rockets, artillery, and machine guns raises critical questions about the sources of these weapons. There are strong indications that the Pakistani military might be directly or indirectly involved.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of the Taliban. And potential support from Iran, given its status as a Shia-majority nation. The chaotic environment makes it difficult to discern who is supporting whom. Especially as the Taliban also frequently clashes with the Pakistani military.
2. Humanitarian Crisis:
– Residents reported that missiles and rockets were launched towards the towns of Parachinar and Sadda as well.
– The main Parachinar-Peshawar road has been closed, halting the transportation of goods and causing severe shortages of food and medicine in Kurram.
– Ambulances carrying the injured to Peshawar were attacked and sent back to Parachinar, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
3. Ceasefire Agreement:
– After days of fighting, recently a temporary two-month ceasefire has been agreed upon by both sides, facilitated by a local jirga (tribal council).
– Any violation of this ceasefire will result in a fine of Rs12 Crore(Pakistani Rupees).
– Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mahsud and Jirga member Haji Rehmat Hussain have confirmed the agreement. And assured that efforts are underway to make the Peshawar-Kurram road safe for travel.
Information Blackout
The Pakistani government’s decision to ban the internet and social media has severely hampered the flow of information. Making it challenging to get accurate and up-to-date reports on the situation. This blackout has contributed to the confusion and misinformation surrounding the conflict.
Najeeb Ullah, a resident of Bushehra, told The Media Line, “Since the fighting began, internet and electricity supplies have been cut off, resulting in a severe shortage of daily necessities and food. The area has become isolated from the outside world due to the loss of internet services.”
Implications for Minorities in Pakistan
If Shia Muslims, who constitute a significant minority within Pakistan, face such severe persecution, the situation for non-Muslims is even more dire. Religious minorities in Pakistan, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others, are subjected to systemic discrimination, violence, and social marginalization. The ongoing violence in Kurram serves as a reminder of the nation’s larger problems with religious intolerance and the persecution of minorities.