SANGHAR: The law and order situation in several towns of Sanghar district remained precarious when police lobbed teargas shells to disperse one of the scores of women rallies held on Saturday against a crackdown on Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) workers and members of the Hur Jamaat — both led by Pir Pagara — and registered FIRs against two more Khalifas (representatives of the Hurs spiritual leader).

The PML-F and Hur Jamaat have been protesting for the last three days against the crackdown and police excesses allegedly unleashed a few days after an armed attack on an election rally in Sanghar city that had left two Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) activists and two policemen dead on Dec 15.

Sanghar, Khipro, Shahpur Chakar, Sinjhoro, Khadro and several other towns of the district remained completely closed on Saturday. No markets, business, trade and commercial concerns, as well as fuel stations, shops, food outlets and vending stalls were opened in Sanghar city for a third consecutive day.

Protest demonstrations were held in Sanghar, Khadro, Sinjhoro, Rawitiani, Hathonogo and other small towns where participants, including women, blocked thoroughfares with burning tyres and junk to disrupt vehicular traffic.

In Rawitiani town, some 10 kilometres from Sanghar city, police lobbed teargas shells to disperse a women’s rally after enraged participants tried to break a police cordon demanding release of 10 suspects picked up earlier in the day. Five women were injured in the police action.

The PML-F and Hur Jamaat claimed that revered personalities, including Waryam Faqir and Ali Ghulam Nizamani, posted as Khalifas by the Pir Pagara were being booked in false cases on political grounds.

Meanwhile, thousands of Hur disciples and PML-F workers started assembling around the specific place called ‘Thallah’ near Waryam Faqir’s house in Sanghar city where they use to gather for a glimpse of the Pir Pagara occasionally. It is learnt that a strategy to counter the crackdown and continuing police action would be evolved.

Club-wielding activists riding motorcycles were seen roaming in and around the city in a large number sowing fear of a showdown.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2015