Section 144 imposed in Badin after clashes
The district authorities imposed Section 144 for three days in different parts of Badin, banning all gatherings, congregations and brandishing of weapons, including wooden sticks, on Friday. The decision comes after clashes and subsequent protests were reported in the district on Muharram 10 (Thursday). Despite a heavy contingent of law enforcement agencies deputed for the security and protection of Ashura processions, a clash between two religious groups escalated in Kadhan Town. Multiple protests were staged in Kadhan, Badin, Talhar, Tando Bago and other areas, with demonstrators on both sides demanding arrests of members of the other group.
Badin Deputy Commissioner Agha Shahnawaz Khan was allegedly attacked by unidentified miscreants as he attempted to negotiate between the two groups.
In a video available with The Express Tribune, Khan's guards can be seen encircling him to protect him from stones being hurled from unidentified individuals. Khan managed to free himself from the mob unscathed but a few members of his team sustained minor injuries.
"I am safe," he told The Express Tribune. Confirming the attack, the DC said he and his team were attempting to negotiate between the two groups when the mob pelted him with stones. "The situation is under control," he added, however. "We will restore complete peace in the district very soon."
Two FIRs were registered at the Kadhan Police Station - one against each group. But no arrests could be made till the filing of this report.
A senior police official told The Express Tribune that talks with both the groups were underway. "Persons involved in the FIRs will certainly be arrested but the priority [right now] is to maintain peace.
The Hyderabad commissioner's office notified the imposition of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure till August 22 [Sunday]. All SHOs were directed to deal with violators according to the law, which entails a sentence of up to two years, a penalty or both.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 21st, 2021.