FAISALABAD: Sensing the prevailing political situation and rift between Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and Sher Ali groups, the police have made a requisition for deployment of Rangers at three ‘sensitive’ polling stations during the mayoral election.

The sensitive polling stations are Technical High School, D-Ground, Khurrianwala and TMA Complex, Lyallpur Town.

The returning officers through the election commission, Faisalabad, had solicited police’s opinion on deployment of Rangers at polling stations.

The police department endorsed the stance of the returning officers and submitted requisition of two Rangers companies to the home department.

Political analysts are of the view that the city may face law and order situation owing to the rift between Rana Sanaullah and Sher Ali groups.

Both groups have fielded their candidates — Sheraz Kahloon by the Ali faction and Malik Razzaq, brother of MPA Nawaz Malik, by Sanaullah group — for the mayor slot.

Earlier, the ruling party had issued ticket in favour of Malik Razzaq and three deputy mayor candidates.

However, the nomination was withdrawn later on and now both sides would contest without the PML-N ticket.

Both groups had clashed on Oct 12, 2015, in C Block, Ghulam Mohammadabad, when a rally was organised by Sajid Sohail, a union council candidate, pitched by Ali group against Riaz Malik, fielded by Rana Sanaullah faction.

Ghulam Mohammadabad police had registered a case under section 7-ATA, 148, 149, 324 and 440 of PPC against Razzaq, Riaz Malik, Nadeem Malik (brothers of MPA Nawaz) and 15 to 20 other people.

Following the incident, State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali visited the spot and later stayed at the police station till registration of a case against the suspects.

On the other side, the Rana group allegedly prevailed upon the police and averted arrest of Malik brothers. The case is still being investigated.

A police officer requesting anonymity said: “Malik Razzaq is a proclaimed offender in the case and he is contesting for the mayor slot.”

He said police had been asked to refrain from expediting investigation in the case that was registered on political grounds.

Asked as to why Malik Razzaq was not arrested, he said police were avoiding arresting him to avert ‘wrath’ of the government.

He said deployment of Rangers would strengthen the police department as both groups might try to pressurise police officers to ensure their victory.

Published in Dawn December 21st, 2016