Hundreds of people have taken to the streets in Hub Chowki, the industrial city of Balochistan, to protest against the deadly crossfire that erupted between two rival election candidates and their supporters.
The violence broke out near the Civic Center, where the votes for the PB-21 constituency were being recounted. Both sides claimed victory in the general elections held on February 8.
The candidates involved were Ali Hassan Zehri of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Bhootani group. The situation turned violent when their supporters exchanged fire, killing two people and injuring eleven others. The security forces intervened and cordoned off the area.
One of the victims was Sikkandar Chatna, a member of the Bhootani group. The protesters demanded the arrest of the culprits and blocked the traffic on the roads. They claim that the supporters of Ali Hassan Zehri openly flaunt their weapons and instead of arresting them, the city administration is helping them.
Local sources said that the police were negotiating with the Bhootani group over filing an FIR against the PPP supporters. A delegation of the Bhootani group also met with the SP of Hub Chowki.
The Bhootani group claimed that their supporters were peaceful and unarmed and that they were attacked by the armed PPP supporters while protesting against election rigging in front of the Residing Officer’s office.
The city administration imposed section 144 in Hub Chowki and banned pillion riding, carrying weapons, and political gatherings for a month.