A Land of Honour in the Grip of Violence
Buner is a land known for its traditions, hospitality, courage and honour. Yet, sadly, certain social attitudes continue to undermine the peace of this beautiful region. In the village of Leganai, in the Salarzai area of Buner district, a long-running family feud has once again taken a tragic turn, leaving the entire community in mourning, fear and uncertainty.
A Decade of Bloodshed
A family dispute has reportedly continued in Leganai for almost ten years, claiming several precious lives along the way. This prolonged hostility has not only devastated the families involved but has also damaged the peace, security and mutual trust of the wider village community.
Two More Young Lives Lost
A minor altercation has now reportedly triggered another serious incident. Two more young men have lost their lives, while another person has sustained serious injuries and has been transferred to a hospital in Peshawar for treatment. Concerns remain over the injured person’s condition. May Allah Almighty grant the injured a full recovery, forgive those who have died, and give their grieving families patience and strength. Ameen.
When Flames Become a Symbol of Hatred
Reports indicate that houses were set on fire amid the escalating violence, reflecting the depth of anger and distress following the deaths of the young men. Leganai is known locally for a tradition associated with the absence of fire in the village. Today, however, flames have become a symbol of grief, fear and destruction. The fire is not merely one that has consumed buildings; it represents the deeper flames of hatred, pride, resentment and revenge that have been allowed to grow over the years. Extinguishing those flames is now a responsibility shared by the entire community.
Families Caught in the Aftermath
The family whose homes were reportedly damaged is said to be associated with Hassan Buneri, the former provincial secretary of the National Youth political organisation. The full circumstances of the incident and the extent of the damage require proper investigation.
Reconciliation Efforts Dashed Once Again
In the past, local elders in Buner, particularly leaders associated with the National Party, made efforts to resolve the dispute through jirgas and reconciliation initiatives. At one stage, there appeared to be some hope that both sides might move towards an agreement and finally bring an end to years of hostility. The latest incident, however, has dealt a serious blow to those hopes.
Why Have Peace Efforts Failed?
An important question must now be asked: if reconciliation efforts were under way, how did the situation deteriorate to this extent once again? Were the underlying disagreements never properly resolved, or was temporary silence mistaken for lasting peace? Unless these questions are addressed honestly, any future settlement may prove equally fragile.
The Traditional Role of Jirgas
Jirgas hold a significant place in Pashtun society. Traditionally, they have served as a means of resolving disputes, addressing grievances and encouraging reconciliation between opposing parties. However, the success of a jirga cannot be measured simply by the number of meetings it holds or the statements issued afterwards. Its true value lies in achieving a fair settlement, ensuring that decisions are implemented and maintaining long-term oversight to prevent further violence.
Justice Must Come Before Forced Reconciliation
It is equally important that neither side is forced into reconciliation merely through social pressure. The concerns and grievances of both parties must be heard, and the principles of justice must be respected. A settlement that leaves people feeling humiliated, unheard or deprived of justice may only postpone another confrontation. Lasting peace requires fairness, accountability and the restoration of trust.
The Young Are Paying the Highest Price
The greatest victims of this feud are the young people whose lives are being cut short. These are individuals who could have pursued education, supported their families, raised children and contributed positively to society. Instead, their futures have been destroyed by a conflict that has continued for years. Their deaths are not simply a loss for their immediate relatives; they are a loss for the entire community and for Buner itself.
The Dreams Buried with Every Young Victim
Every mother raises her son with dreams and hopes for his future. Every father works hard to provide him with opportunities. Sisters grow up sharing affection with their brothers, while children look to their parents for protection and guidance. When a young person dies violently, the loss extends far beyond a single life. Dreams are shattered, families are left in grief, and years of love and sacrifice are replaced by unbearable sorrow.
How Many More Funerals Must We Witness?
But how long can this continue? How many funerals must families attend before we recognise that revenge is not a solution? How many homes must be destroyed before people are willing to set aside their pride? How many mothers must lose their sons before forgiveness, patience and reconciliation are treated as signs of strength rather than weakness?
The Dangerous Pressure of Peghor
In some parts of Pashtun society, the fear of peghor, meaning taunts, criticism or social humiliation, can push people towards destructive decisions. Individuals may believe that refusing to retaliate will cause others to consider them weak. Yet the reality is quite different. Controlling one’s anger, resisting provocation and refusing to continue a cycle of revenge require courage, self-discipline and moral strength.
Redefining Honour in Pashtun Society
It is time to reconsider how our society defines honour. Honour should not be measured by the ability to harm an opponent, intimidate another family or retaliate after an insult. True honour lies in protecting innocent lives, controlling one’s anger and taking the initiative to prevent further bloodshed. The person who stops a feud and saves lives deserves greater respect than the person who perpetuates it.
Elders Must Lead the Way Towards Peace
Local elders must also reflect seriously on their responsibilities. Their standing in society should not depend merely on the respect they receive at public gatherings or their presence at jirgas. Their real contribution becomes evident when they successfully bring hostile families together, prevent further killings and establish peace that endures beyond the meeting room.
Respect Must Go Hand in Hand with Accountability
This is not intended to disrespect any individual or undermine the traditional role of community elders. However, when lives continue to be lost and repeated reconciliation efforts fail to secure lasting peace, it becomes necessary to examine the effectiveness of those efforts. Respect for elders and traditions must go hand in hand with accountability and a genuine commitment to preventing further tragedy.
Stop the Cycle of Revenge Without Delay
If this feud has claimed several lives over almost a decade, there is no room for further delay. Both parties must immediately refrain from inflammatory statements, retaliatory violence and any action that threatens lives or damages homes and property. Preventing further harm must be the first priority. Without an immediate halt to violence, even the most sincere peace initiative will struggle to succeed.
The State Must Uphold the Rule of Law
State institutions and the local administration also have an important responsibility to maintain law and order, support the injured person’s treatment, investigate the incident impartially and take lawful action against those found responsible. The rule of law is essential to protecting every family and ensuring that justice is not replaced by private revenge. No individual or family should be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Religious Scholars, Teachers and Youth Have a Role
Religious scholars, teachers, political representatives and young people must also contribute to resolving the crisis. Mosques, educational institutions and community gatherings can play a constructive role in promoting tolerance, forgiveness, brotherhood and respect for human life. Influential voices in the community should discourage provocative language and encourage dialogue before disagreements escalate into violence.
Islam Calls for Justice, Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Islam teaches the sanctity of human life and encourages justice, reconciliation and forgiveness. Disputes should be resolved through fair processes and constructive dialogue rather than personal vengeance. Forgiveness is not always easy, particularly when families have suffered devastating losses. Nevertheless, where possible, choosing reconciliation over retaliation can be a profound expression of faith, wisdom and moral courage. Peace must never be used as an excuse to ignore injustice, but justice should create a path towards a safer and more peaceful future.
One Person’s Actions Must Not Punish an Entire Family
It must also be remembered that the wrongdoing of one individual does not justify punishing an entire family. Targeting children, women, elderly people or other relatives because of their association with someone involved in a dispute is contrary to basic principles of justice and humanity. Responsibility must be determined according to individual actions, not family relationships. Collective punishment only expands the circle of suffering and creates further grievances for future generations.
Leganai Needs Practical Action, Not Just Condolences
At this critical moment, the people of Leganai need more than expressions of sympathy and condolences. They need practical action. The affected families require support, the injured person needs appropriate medical care, and every possible step must be taken to prevent further violence. Community representatives must work towards a credible and lasting settlement that addresses the underlying causes of the dispute. Failure to act decisively now could leave the door open to further tragedy.
Protecting Buner’s Traditions of Peace and Brotherhood
The people of Buner are known for their courage, hospitality, dignity and willingness to stand together in difficult times. The identity of this region should not be defined by the hostility of a few families. Its true strength lies in its traditions of mutual support, brotherhood and collective responsibility. It is time to revive the positive values of Pashtun culture and reject those attitudes that turn personal disputes into generational tragedies.
An Appeal to Both Sides: Choose Peace
I appeal to both sides in Leganai, the local elders and all those who have influence in the community to stop the cycle of revenge for the sake of Allah Almighty. Think of your children, mothers, sisters and the generations that will follow you. Do not allow personal disputes to destroy the future of another family. Take the difficult but necessary step towards peace before more lives are lost.
A Prayer for the Deceased and the Injured
May Allah Almighty forgive the deceased, grant patience and strength to their families, provide the injured person with a complete recovery, and bring peace, understanding and reconciliation between all those affected. Ameen.
Extinguish the Flames Before They Claim More Lives
The flames that have engulfed homes in Leganai serve as a painful reminder of what happens when tolerance disappears and hatred takes control. The cost is paid in human lives, shattered families and destroyed homes. The time has come to extinguish this fire of hostility once and for all. If it is not stopped today, its flames may reach another home, destroy another family and claim the life of another young person tomorrow.
Peace Is Not Weakness, It Is the Courage to Prevent the Next F
Is Not Weakness, It Is the Courage to Prevent the Next Funeral.