The heights of Qornet al-Sawda. (Credit: Samih Zaatar/File photo)
BEIRUT — Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday formed a committee tasked with resolving land disputes and the rights for water use in the Qornet al-Sawda area, where two men were killed after a dispute.
Security related disputes are common in Qornet al-Sawda, due to conflict between the residents of Bsharri and the Bqaa Safrin locality in Dinnieh over land and water supply.
The two victims were identified as Haitham and Malek Tawk, according to Bsharri locals who said seven other civilians were also wounded in the conflict.
The committee includes representatives from a number of ministries, including the Energy and Environment ministries.
The committee is also tasked with formulating a plan to protect the environment and identify natural reserves in the area. Mikati gave the committee a deadline of two months to complete the tasks.
The Saturday dispute triggered sectarian tensions, with the residents of Bsharri being Christian and those of Dinnieh Muslim-Sunni. Mikati, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and several religious figures intervened to pacify the situation.