BADIN: Rival groups of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Badin district held rallies in an apparent show of strength on Wednesday as former home minister Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza and MNA Sardar Kamal Chang continued to issue statements against each other.

Several hundred supporters of MNA Chang took out a rally against what they claimed Dr Mirza’s derogatory remarks against him during a public meeting a few days ago.

PPP supporters and members of the Chang community from Balochistan were among the protesters, who were led by Mehboob Khan Chang, Sardar Porho Khan Chang and Aslam Khan Chang.

They later staged a demonstration against Dr Mirza outside the local press club.

The leaders also held a press conference and demanded an unconditional apology from Dr Mirza for his remarks against the tribal chieftain.

Separately, several hundred PPP activists from various areas of Badin district took part in a rally taken out in support of Dr Zulfiqar Mirza in Badin city.

Led by Tanweer Ahmed Arain, Perez Shahani, Sikender Ali Memon, Abdul Wahid Chandio, Tariq Ahmed Memon and others, the protesters marched from DC Office to the local press club and raised slogans in favour of Dr Mirza and against MNA Chang.

No untoward incident took place despite a charged atmosphere prevailing across the district.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2014