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Karachi, November 01, 2015 (PPI-OT): The Sindh government has decided to conduct a judicial inquiry into Daraza Sharif incident which claimed 12 lives on polling day. This was stated by Provincial Information and education Minister Mr Nisar Khuhro issues here today.
Mr Nisar Khuhro expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life in the unfortunate incident at the ladies polling station No.2, Warayo Wahan of UC Daraza Sharif, Khairpur District, has said that the ladies polling station had in fact been attacked by an armed group of outsiders belonging to District Sanghar. This group was headed by Ismail Shah of PML-(F). The local people belonging to the Junejo community contesting election under the banner of ‘Sarmast Group’ retaliated the attack by the outsiders.
He clarified that the election contest was between a candidate of Sarmast Group (the local Junejo Community) and the candidate of PML (F). The Minister quoting the available information a heated argument started between the group of outsiders and Sarmast Group at the polling station, resulting in the killing of the two local people. The people of Sarmast Group retaliated by firing on the cars of the attackers which resulted in more deaths. It is noteworthy that six bodies of the outsiders were recovered from inside the premises of the ladies polling.
Mr Nisar Khuhro said the polling station was manned by 5 Policemen. However, Rangers patrol covering 5 polling stations was also patrolling the area. Bodies of eight outsiders were taken to District Sanghar, where their last burial rites were performed.
He said that complaints of harassment and coercion of voters by unknown outsiders were being continuously received from different polling stations of Gambat, Ranipur since morning. The same armed men had also kidnapped Assistant District Returning Officer (ADRO) Ms Marrium Abbasi at gun point and latter released her at Gambat.
The local administration with the help of law enforcing agencies had been diffusing tensions and avoiding any untoward incident. The armed men led by Ismail Shah also subjected the SHO and ASI of the area to severe torture. Even though they had succeeded in restoring smooth conduct of the polling process at all these places.
This tragic incident took place at around 3.30 in the afternoon when the overall conditions in the Districts were peaceful, Mr Khuhro lamented. The Sindh government has written a letter to the Chief Justice Sindh High Court to conduct judicial inquiry into the incident.
For more information, contact:
Mr. Allah Bachayo Memon
Press Secretary
Chief Minister House
Tel: +92-21-99202019
Cell: +92-300-3524057 (Ext: 336)