Kurram elders fear violence over land disputes.

PARACHINAR -- Land disputes in the Kurram tribal district threaten to assume sectarian proportions, challenging peace and harmony in a region with a long history of sectarian violence.

This was stated by tribal elders while speaking at a press conference at the Parachinar Press Club. They pointed out that old disputes over land, mountains, forests and water resources had been festering since ages and could take on a sectarian hue if the authorities didn't help resolve them.

'There are elements out to give these disputes a sectarian colour,' said Allama Muzamil Hussain. 'This could create conflict and bring a bad image to the district and our country.'

The presser was organised by 'Sadaey Mazlomeen', an association of community representatives, including elders, political and religious figures.

'It is due to negligence on part of the local administration for four decades that the situation has vitiated to an extent that it can easily assume catastrophic proportions,' said...