HANGU, Aug 22: Nine people were killed and 12 others injured when two groups exchanged fire during a jirga in the Zargari village here on Wednesday.

Officials and residents feared that the death toll could rise because firing was continuing.

According to local people, Aakhel and Alikhel tribes had convened the jirga to resolve a dispute over a vehicle of the former allegedly seized by the latter. During discussion, the two groups exchanged harsh words, leading to the exchange of fire.

Those killed were identified as Shahabuddin, Noor Asghar, Gul Waheed, Zarin, Resham, Azmat Ali, Qari Naeem, Gul Moid and a passerby whose name could not be ascertained.

The injured were taken to different hospitals in the district.

Police confirmed that the firing had resulted in many casualties but could not give the exact number.

Abdul Sami Paracha adds from Kohat: The dead included four Taliban, one of whom, Noor Asghar, is brother of the president of the local JUI-F.

Eyewitnesses said the Alikhel tribe of adjoining Orakzai Agency had approached the local Taliban to help them recover their vehicle hijacked two days ago by a criminal gang led by Gul Moid.

The Taliban summoned the gang and during the jirga the firing took place.

The Taliban are not handing over the bodies and police have been asked to go to the area on Thursday morning.Hangu DPO Ghulam Mohammad told journalists that the area was close to the tribal region. He said he had reports about seven dead.

He denied that the local Taliban were involved in the clash and said it was a dispute between local tribes.