DADU: Seven people were shot dead and four wounded in a clash between two groups of Chandio tribe over an old matrimonial dispute in Hasil Chandio village, some 45 kilometres from Dadu town, on Sunday.

Automatic weapons and rocket launchers were used in the clash in which Rano, 45; Ranjhan, 28; Hameed, 50; Gulab, 55; Asima, 10; Asad, 17 and passer-by Sohrab, 55 were killed.

Those who sustained wounds were identified as Mohammed Sharif, 27; Moor, 38; Shahmir, 13 and Sadaqat Ali, 10.

A heavy contingent of Dadu district police led by Dadu SSP Sheeraz Nazeer Abbasi reached the spot to control the situation and surrounded the village.

Earlier, the police tried to enter the village, but could not succeed because of heavy gunfire.

Speaking to Dawn, SSP Sheeraz Nazeer Abbasi said that with support of an armoured personnel carriers police entered the village and that now the situation was under control.

He said the clash occurred between the two groups of Madad Chandio and Nazeer Chandio over a matrimonial dispute.

He said that five of the dead and two of the wounded persons were related to Nazeer Chandio tribe while one dead and two wounded persons belonged to Madad Chandio tribe.

He said the passer-by was killed while crossing a street.

The police made hectic efforts to get the possession of the victims’ bodies which were sent to a hospital, he added.

He said that a search operation was launched in Hasil Chandio and 10 people were arrested for the clash and weapons were seized from them.

The police would continue their search in other parts of Hasil Chandio while checkpoints were established in the village, he said.

However, he said that if anyone was found innocent, he would be released after investigation. But those involved directly or indirectly in this armed clash would not be released, he added.

Tension gripped the village after the clash and most people remained indoors.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play