in october 1892, in order to defend the area, the british created the turi militia, recruited from the local inhabitants. it was initially based at balish khel near sadda, but within a few months the unit's headquarters were moved to parachinar, and it was renamed the kurram militia. the militia was originally divided into two parts: the 1st battalion as a mobile column, while the 2nd battalion garrisoned the valley. this proved impracticable, and in 1902 the two battalions were amalgamated under a single commander, and organized into two wings, each of three companies. in 1894 the total strength of the militia was 948, and by 1905 it had increased to 1,475.