Mangal Bagh Afridi has sought help from TTP as his erstwhile supporters from the Zakakhel clan of Afridi tribe turned against him. A few days back Mangal Baghs group Lashkar-e-Islam abducted and beheaded Maulana Muhammad Hashim, a respected cleric from the Zakakhel clan.
Following this incident, the Afghan Taliban have also threatened to join the Zakakhels against Mangal Bagh. This recent development defines the various dimensions of this war being fought in the tribal areas.
Apart from the army fighting against militants, there is a parallel war going on between the rival clans and tribes in FATA region. However, these conflicts, irrespective of their nature, are dangerous and have already consumed countless lives.
An effort should be extended by the civil society to play a role in putting an end to these conflicts so that innocent lives can be rescued.
ZULFIQAR HAIDER
Islamabad