By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least six people were killed and eight others injured in a gun battle between two rival groups in Dera Ismail Khan, while a separate grenade attack on a house injured several children and prompted residents to stage protests over what they described as worsening law and order.
According to preliminary police reports, the deadly clash took place in Shah Hassan Khel village within the jurisdiction of Paniyala Police Station in Tehsil Paharpur.
DSP Paniyala Alamgir Khan said the violence stemmed from a longstanding rivalry between two groups. He said one group had allegedly killed a member of a gang of proclaimed offenders in retaliation for the earlier murder of one of its own members. The rival group then reportedly launched a counterattack, killing five members of the opposing side.
Police said the clash occurred in the remote hilly area of Shah Hassan Khel near the Lakki Marwat border, where local residents and members of an alleged criminal group exchanged heavy gunfire. A large police contingent led by the DSP reached the area shortly after receiving reports of the incident.
The deceased were initially identified as Naqeeb, Tahir, Zubair, Sher Nawaz and Hidayatullah, while the identity of the sixth victim had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting. Eight injured people were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In a separate incident, unidentified armed men allegedly hurled a hand grenade at a house in Wanda Ali, within the jurisdiction of Kari Khaisor Police Station, before opening indiscriminate fire.
Several children were injured in the attack, according to police and eyewitnesses, who said the incident caused panic among residents of the area.
The attack triggered protests, with local residents staging a sit-in outside the offices of the Assistant Commissioner of Paharpur and the police. Demonstrators chanted slogans against the police and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, justice for the affected family and stronger security measures to prevent similar attacks.
The protesters warned that they would expand their demonstration if authorities failed to take swift action against those involved.
SP Paharpur Iqbal Baloch said investigations into both incidents were underway and that efforts were continuing to trace and arrest the suspects.
