For years, the people of Sindh have been plagued with the menace of tribal clashes. But now their prayers to spend their lives in peace might have been answered as the Sindh government has finally decided to call a round-table meeting between tribal chiefs of the province to discuss a way to put an end to the bloodshed. In a land where ‘might is right’ seems like the order of the day, it has become a routine for people of the interior parts of the province to dread even coming out of their houses fearing that they might be killed whenever a clash erupts, which at times leaves villages looking like a valley of death. So far, clashes have claimed lives of many innocents, including the massacre of entire families at times.
In Larkana and Shikarpur alone, there are about 15 tribal feuds – mainly over minor issues – in which more than 607 people including children and women have lost their lives so far. The reasons behind these minor issues taking on a generation-to-generation feud shape are the traditional tribal mindset and inefficiency of police. Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Hussain Wasan, speaking at Khairpur, said that tribal clashes have disturbed peace in the province and urged the need for bringing all tribal leaders on a table for talks. However, the date of this conference will be announced later. In one example of how petty issues can result in carnage, a tribal clash between the Mahers and Jatois in Lakhi taluka of Shikarpur district started 10 years ago over the possession of a fish pond. This feud has claimed the lives of 378 people so far from both sides.
A tribal clash originated in the Garhi Yaseen area of Shikarpur district between the Marfanis and the Kambranis almost two years ago. The clash started when two people belonging to the Marfani and Kambrani clans came to a pond so their donkeys could drink water.
An argument followed between the two as to whose donkeys would drink water first and both of them started fighting, killing each other. This clash, later, became multi-tribal and spread between the Marfanis and Kambranis, Jakhranis, Bakhranis, Lasharis, Brohis, Chandios, Tunios and Khosos. Over 68 people have fallen victim to these clashes during the two years of discordance.
Two heart-wrenching incidents of entire families murdered have also occurred. In one incident, five members of the Narija tribe including a 15-day-old boy, two women and two men were killed while they were sleeping in their home in Allahabad Muhalla of Larkana city some time back.
Another incident of the same nature took place near Ratodero, the bordering area of Larkana-Shikarpur district. Seven members of a family belonging to the Solangi tribe were murdered. In a tribal clash between the Abro and Unnar tribes, which is continuing for seven years, 27 people have been killed yet the issue that started with the ownership of a small piece of agricultural land, remains unsorted. A photojournalist Munir Sangi also lost his life while he was covering the clash.
Murders over donkeys and fish ponds!!! Govt realises it’s time to act
