MIANWALI: After a week-long shutter-down strike in Kalabagh, traders have finally reopened their shops, and markets across the city resumed business on Saturday.

While life in Kalabagh is gradually returning to normal, an atmosphere of unease and uncertainty still lingers due to sectarian violence in the town.

On Friday, Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javed Gorayia, accompanied by Sargodha Regional Police Officer Muhammad Shehzad Asif and District Police Officer Akhter Farooq, visited Kalabagh.

They met traders and notable figures from both sects involved in the recent clashes.

The officials urged the traders to end strike and help restore normalcy in the city, assuring them that security measures would be strengthened to maintain law and order in the future.

The unrest began nearly a week ago when a clash erupted between two sects over a dispute regarding the Chehlum procession route. The violence led to the death of two persons and left more than 30 others injured.

Traders shut down their businesses and the residents of Kalabagh confined themselves to their homes, leaving the streets deserted except for the patrolling vehicles of Rangers and Police, who were deployed to prevent any further incidents.

Religious leaders from both sects are in ongoing dialogue with the district administration and have expressed their willingness to work towards restoring peace and stability in Kalabagh town.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2024