MIRPURKHAS, Jan 31: Tension gripped the Saleh Bhambhro town and surrounding villages in district Umerkot on Thursday after the arrest of Mukhtiar Bhambhro, an activist of PPP, by the Samaro police on charges of removing banners and flags of PML-Q.

Unidentified persons removed the banners and flags of PML-Q late Wednesday night, and on the complaint of Zulfiqar Shah of PML-Q, police picked up Mr Bhambhro.

In reaction, the PPP workers blocked roads and burned tyres which led to suspension of vehicular traffic. The shops remained closed and unidentified persons resorted to aerial firing.

A large contingent of police rushed to the spot and restored traffic in the Saleh Bhambhro. Police personnel had been deployed.

Meanwhile, the PPP candidate for PS-69 in Umerkot, Ali Murad Rajar with his party workers reached the Samaro police station to meet the detained activist.

SHO Samaro, Liaquat Dars said that the case has not been lodged against Mr Bhambhro yet and added that he would try to settle the matter between leaders of both parties.