July 24, 2008	Thursday	Rajab 20, 1429

SANGHAR, July 23: Two minor girls of Magsi tribe have been married to underage boys of Chandio tribe as settlement of a dispute over an affair involving the girls’ father.

According to reports reaching here, 30-year-old Asghar Magsi of Hussain Magsi village had an affair with 20-year-old Hasina of the same village. Asghar has five children – three sons and two daughters.

Ms Hasina, who belongs to the Chandio tribe, eloped with Asghar about two weeks ago. The matter was brought to the notice of the elders of the tribes who decided a couple of days ago that the minor daughters of Asghar – nine-year-old Rashida and eight-year-old Aami – would be married to Chandio boys in compensation for the humiliation.

After the decision, Rashida Magsi was married to 10-year-old Ghulam Rasool Chandio and Aami Magsi to 12-year-old Sikandar Chandio.

Since the handing over of the girls to their “in-laws”, nothing has been heard about the parents of the boys and the girls.

Taking notice of the matter, Sanghar DPO Dr Waliullah Dal ordered an inquiry.

Sarhari SHO Agha Hashim Pathan told Dawn on phone that he had completed the inquiry.

He said he had recorded statements of grandfather of the girls, Mir Jan, and their mother Ms Nawaban. They have said that they acted in accordance with their customs to prevent bloodshed.