KHAIRPUR, Feb 2: Seven people were arrested in Gul Mohammad Shaikh village and adjoining areas on Friday for their alleged involvement in holding a jirga which had declared two women as karis.

Gambat police SHO Iqbal Jumani registered an FIR under section 310A, 201, 149 PPC on Thursday night against Gulzar, Qalandar Bux, Atta Mohammad, Shahnawaz, Ghulam Shabbir, Khadim Hussain, Mohammad Ismail, Ghous Bux, Miran Bux, Ali Hassan, all Shaikh by caste, and Maulvi Ghulam Mustafa, son of Ghulam Qadir Panhwar.

Reports said that Shahnawaz Shaikh had alleged that his daughter Farzana had an illicit relationship with one Ghulam Shabbir and his daughter-in-law Zahida with Khadim Hussain.

The jirga was held on January 2 at the Otaq of Miran Bux in Gul Mohammad Shaikh village in Gambat taluka.

The jirga decided to give four-year-old Sapna, daughter of Khadim Hussain, in compensation marriage to Abid, 10, son of Ghous Bux; and Abida, 15, daughter of Ghulam Shabbir, to Gulzar, son of Shahnawaz Shaikh.

After the jirga, Abida was married to Gulzar Shaikh.

Reports said that police had taken Abida into custody. However, police have not been able to find Sapna. Police said that inquiry was in progress.

Maulvi Ghulam Mustafa Panhwar, who had reportedly solemnised the Nikah of Abida, told reporters at the Gambat police station that he was not aware about the Nikah of Sapna or the holding of jirga.

Police also detained Ghulam Shabbir Shaikh and Khadim Hussain Shaikh who had been declared karo. Before the convening of the jirga, Farzana and Zahida, who had been declared karis, were divorced.