Law and order: Peace returns to Skardu as clerics intervene

A clash between two groups worsened law and order on Wednesday.

GILGIT:

The law and order situation in Skardu remained peaceful on Thursday after local clerics brought two warring groups to the negotiation table.

The town turned into a battle ground on Wednesday when two groups clashed with each other using sticks, stones and gunfire against each other before clerics intervened and paved the way for a patch up.

According to the local people, the clash erupted after a group of youth from Karasmathang attacked the youth of Khargrong, injuring five of them.

“The fight started over a sensitive issue concerning women,” said a resident who refused to elaborate on the issue.

He said the situation turned serious as some men started aerial firing. The police responded by firing tear gas shells at them. The police estimate that at least 19 people were involved in the violent incident, he added.

In the reprisal attack, the youth of Khargrong pelted stones at the opposing party’s houses, leaving women and children stranded inside their homes.

“The situation is peaceful now,” said Superintendent of Police Azam Sultan. He said that the police have registered cases against both parties.



Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2011.