LARKANA: The English department chairman and a peon of the Sindh University, Larkana campus, were wounded when stray bullets hit them during a clash between activists of two rival student organisations on Friday.
Neither the organisations involved nor the university administration or police appeared ready to share the reason behind the sudden flare-up leading to the armed clash.
The student wings of the Pakistan Peoples Party-Shaheed Bhutto (PPP-SB) and Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz were continuing their activities on the campus as usual when some petty matters led to heated arguments between their activists. The situation grew tense when some of the rival activists resorted to firing into the air. However, Professor Aamir Magsi, who heads the English department, and a peon, Abdul Karim Leghari, were hit by stray bullets, according to Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Noor Mohammed Jamali.
Heavy contingents of the Waleed police and Sindh Rangers rushed to the spot to contain the situation.
Speaking to Dawn Prof Jamali said that Prof Magsi, who had sustained bullet wounds in the chest, and Mr Leghari were rushed to the Chandka Medical College Hospital, where they were being provided treatment.
Later, it was gathered that the law-enforcers picked up three students — Naeemullah Qazi, Tariq Korai and Sadam Jatoi — from the campus and took them to the Waleed police station for interrogation. Sources said that the pistol allegedly used during the clash was recovered from Tariq Korai.
The pro-VC condemned the armed clash and said that those found involved in it would not be spared. Their admission would be cancelled and their case would be sent to the vice chancellor with recommendation for their rustication, he added. “These elements have spoiled the atmosphere on campus and disturbed peace. Therefore, they deserve to be punished,” he said.
Prof Jamali said he had apprised the Larkana DIG and SSP of the situation and they assured him of all required assistance in maintaining peace on the campus.
In reply to a question, Prof Jamali said the campus would not be closed due to the incident.
DSP Yar Mohammed Rind, speaking to Dawn, said that the reason behind the clash was rooted in petty issues (which he declined to divulge). He said he led a police team to the spot and picked up three students.
Police personnel were deployed on the campus to prevent more violence. No FIR was registered till late in the evening.
Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2017
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