Five killed, five injured in deadly Junejo clan clash in Khairpur

KHAIRPUR: Five men were killed and five others were injured in an armed clash between two Junejo groups in Khairpur district, police said, after an old dispute turned violent in village Waryo Wahan in Daraza Sharif.

The incident took place in the area that is home to the shrine of Hazrat Sachal Sarmast (RA). According to police, the confrontation stemmed from a longstanding feud between the Ajab Junejo and Malhar Junejo groups, which flared up again after two brothers, Piaro and Noman, were allegedly taken hostage.

Police said efforts to secure the release of the two brothers led to an exchange of gunfire between the rival sides. During the clash, Lal Junejo from one group and Saindad Junejo from the other were killed.

Police further said that Piaro and Noman were later shot dead in what was described as retaliation.

A video showing the bodies of the two slain brothers was recorded and circulated on social media. In the footage, a speaker questioned their presence in the area saying, "If this was not your fight, why did one of your brothers take part in the clash and attack our man's father?"

The exchange of fire continued for several hours before police reached the village. Six people were initially reported injured in the gun battle. However, one of the wounded, identified as Sohail Junejo, later died of his injuries at the GIMS hospital in Gambat, taking the death toll to five. Five injured men remained under treatment.

Police operation launched

After the violence, a heavy police contingent launched a search operation in the village and detained around 20 suspects. Police also reportedly demolished some houses belonging to the suspected killers.

The incident drew the attention of senior provincial authorities. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and Inspector General of Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho took notice of the killings and directed Khairpur police to proceed with action.

Despite the scale of the violence, the first information report in the case had not been registered by Sunday.

The clash was one of the deadliest episodes in the ongoing feud between the two Junejo groups reported in the area, with the latest violence leaving multiple families affected and several people still receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.