In the wake of an ongoing violent clash between two rival factions of the Mengal tribe in the Wadh area of Khuzdar district, a significant number of individuals, including minority groups, have opted to migrate to other parts of Balochistan. The conflict has resulted in three fatalities and injuries to 10 others.
Despite having agreed to a ceasefire last week, both rival groups have subsequently violated the truce. The efforts of Nawab Aslam Raisani, chief of the Sarawan tribe, and other tribal leaders to mediate have been in vain.
For the past week, both sides have been employing heavy weaponry against each other, leading to the closure of all marketplaces, shops, and business centers. This escalation has caused shortages of essential items and food in Wadh town and its adjacent regions.
The hostilities have also severely impacted traffic flow, prompting the local administration to close the Khuzdar-Karachi Highway due to rocket and mortar exchanges between the rival factions.
As a result of the sustained gunfire, the local population has initiated a mass migration to safer areas to safeguard their lives and minimize potential losses.
The turmoil has disproportionately affected Hindu traders, who are predominantly leaving Wadh as business operations have suffered due to the closure of bazaars.
"A considerable number of families have relocated to other Balochistan towns and even to Sindh to ensure their safety. Most members of the Hindu community have vacated Wadh. Although approximately 300 Hindu families resided in Wadh, a majority of them have now shifted to Khuzdar, Hub, and Bela," a local resident stated anonymously.
The individual further disclosed that bazaars and business establishments had resumed operations during the ceasefire's brief period, but have now shuttered once more.
Amidst the escalating situation, educational institutions in Wadh have been compelled to close their doors. Although no official reports of food shortages have been received, the relocation of families to safer regions remains a possibility.
The resident expressed the urgency for governmental and local administrative intervention to address the protracted dispute and prevent its continuation.
