HYDERABAD: Timely intervention by saner elements within two Muslim communities of Latifabad helped avert sectarian tension in the area after some youths resorted to throwing stones on participants of a mourning procession, traditionally taken out on the 3rd of Rabiul Awwal.

Five persons were injured due to stone pelting while some people smashed windowpanes of a few vehicles in reaction. The injured were taken to the Bhitai Hospital, Latifabad, and discharged after being provided first aid.

Latifabad DSP Masood Iqbal and SHO Akhlaq Shah arrived at the scene when the situation had already turned tense and there were reports that some unknown persons had also resorted to firing into the air during the episode. Hyderabad SSP Sarfaraz Nawaz Shaikh sent City DSP Ayoub Durrani and police personnel from several other police stations to the area to prevent a flare-up.

DSP Iqbal held negotiations with the two sides outside a mosque and then further talks were held at the A-Section police station which continued till Tuesday morning.

The police asked the two sides if they would like to lodge their respective FIRs regarding the incident but they opted for reconciliation.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2018