NOWSHERA: Five people were killed on Monday when two groups exchanged fire over a land dispute allegedly linked to illegal gold mining in Nizampur area, Nowshera district, officials and local residents said.
The residents said that a longstanding dispute over illegal gold mining had been ongoing between the Ataullah group and the Sadaam group in Nizampur, which had previously also resulted in casualties.
According to police, four people from one group and one person from the rival group were killed in the latest firing.The deceased were identified as Dawood, Naqash, Waqas, and Israr from one side, while a young man named Mehran was killed from the rival group.
Among the deceased, three belonged to the same family, while one young guest also lost his life in the incident.The incident raised serious questions about recent police operations against illegal gold mining in the area.
Police had conducted multiple operations against illegal mining activities in the area and destroyed mining machinery; however, the practice reportedly continued, raising concerns over enforcement.
After the incident, the heirs of the deceased criticized the police performance, alleging that despite timely information about the attack, police arrived at the scene three hours late, allowing the attackers to escape. They stated that the bodies remained at the scene for a long period.
The heirs alleged that the Ataullah group is a powerful land-grabbing mafia involved in illegal gold mining and the forcible occupation of local residents’ land. They demanded that authorities arrest the perpetrators immediately and ensure justice.
Meanwhile, DIG Mardan Region Rab Nawaz Khan took immediate notice of the incident and removed DSP Akhtar Nasir of Akora Khattak from his post, appointing DSP Investigation Adnan Azam in his place.
The Nowshera DPO was directed to ensure the swift arrest of the suspects.Police said that the First Information Report of the incident has not yet been registered.
