MIRPURKHAS, Jan 1: People attending a religious gathering in Hameedpura colony were attacked by two gunmen on Saturday night.

Maulana Ziaul Hassan Naqvi was addressing a Majlis being held in a tent. Security arrangements made for the event were inadequate as only four policemen were deployed. The gathering was attacked by two men on a motorcycle.

Bullets pierced the tent and hit the sound system equipment and walls of a nearby house. No one was injured.

The attack triggered panic in the area and a number of people gathered at the venue of the Majlis. A police constable fired in the air to disperse them.

Activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement reached the place, assured the participants that they would be protected and asked Maulana Naqvi to resume his address which he did.

Meanwhile, the local chapter of the Ahl-i-Sunnat Wal Jamaat issued a press release on Sunday and demanded registration of an FIR “against those who in the Majlis had made derogatory remarks against some revered personalities.”

On Friday night, fear gripped the Hirabad area after a sectarian clash. The clash took place when the followers of one sect objected to a procession passing in front of their mosque.

Both the groups fired in the air and hurled stones at each other. Five people suffered minor injuries.

Shops in Hirabad, Thomasabad and adjoining areas were closed and heavy contingents of police and Rangers were deployed to restore order.

Later, hundreds of people surrounded the Town police station and asked police to register a case against the participants of the procession.

On Saturday, a case under sections 147, 148, 149 and 337 H(ii) of the Pakistan Penal Code was lodged against 10 people.

Police have arrested a man named Jahangir.—BoC