UPPER DIR: Two women were shot dead over a petty issue in Kalkot area here on Wednesday, police and local people said.

They said Rahmat Ali group and Gul Bahadar group clashed over a minor feud in Kalkot locality, in which the wife and mother of Gul Bahadar, resident of Reman Kas, were killed.

The Kalkot police said they had registered an FIR against Rahmat Ali and his brothers, but no one was arrested as yet.

Meanwhile, the Upper Dir police claimed to have arrested 16 suspected persons, including three proclaimed offenders, and recovered arms from their possession during a search and strike operation in various areas of Kohistan.

Talking to Dawn, DPO Syed Israruddin Bacha said Kohistan circle DSP Murad Khan led the action, adding three pistols, six magazines and 75 cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

The DPO said search and strike operation would continue against the anti-social elements in the district.