Parachinar 8

As the Pakistan military strengthens its position in Swat and Waziristan, the Kurram agency is in the spotlight once again. Fighting has erupted and reportedly, the Taliban fleeing from Waziristan and Swat are wrecking havoc in Parachinar. They are fuelling sectarian tensions and finding refuge as locals from different sectarian groups, particularly the Shi’ites, are targeted.

Amidst fierce clashes that left 33 dead and over 65 injured in a single day, the residents of Parachinar have renewed their call for a military operation. A call they have been issuing for almost 28 months now. The government, the previous and the present, seem to pay no heed to this despearate appeal.

‘We have had over 700 young people martyred but have not allowed these militants to secure a toehold in upper Kurram. Now the influx of Taliban from Swat, Dir and other areas is worsening the situation.’

Haji Rauf called upon the government to launch an action similar to the one under way in Malakand. He extended the assurance that local tribesmen would stand ‘shoulder to shoulder with our army and fight alongside our soldiers’.

http://www.dawnnews.net/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/provinces/12-kurram+clashes+leave+33+dead–bi-07

According to locals of Parachinar who I’ve had the chance to speak to, basic ammenities and food are tough to fine. So much so that a 20kg bag of flour costs over Rs. 8000 (Eight thousand)! I have been informed by several individuals who belong to Parachinar that all routes into the valley are generally blocked by hardline Sunni elements from within Pakistan and in many cases, the Afghan Taliban as well.

It is my humble appeal to the government and the armed forces of Pakistan to take decisive action against these local extremists and Afghan Taliban. Afghanistan and India must be told to stop cross-border terror activities.

You may also want to read:

http://letusbuildpakistan.blogspot.com/2009/03/pakistani-bloggers-blackout-on-shia.html

http://ammar360.com/2009/03/07/holocaust-of-shias-in-parachinar/