Clash between Zazai, Mangal tribes ongoing

GARDEZ (PAN): A land dispute between Zazai and Mangal tribes of southeastern Paktia province sparked an armed clash on Monday, leaving five houses burnt, officials said.

Khaista Jan Ahadi, the provincial council head, said both tribes had long been claiming the ownership of a piece of land. Today, the tribes started trading fire at around 1:00pm.

The fire exchange is ongoing, according to the public representative, who had no information about casualties.

Abdul Wali Sahi, the deputy governor, confirmed to Pajhwok Afghan News that both sides were pounding each another’s positions with heavy weapons.

Tribal elders and security officials had been directed to convince the tribes into a ceasefire, he said, adding the issue had been referred to judicial organs for a settlement.

Sahi said foreign hand in fomenting trouble could not be ruled out because some elements did not want the two tribes to coexist peacefully. Zazai and Mangal tribesmen have been fighting over a piece of land located in Dand Patan district.

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