ISLAMABAD, March 11: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) has decided to organize itself in Northern Areas to help promote sectarian harmony in the region which has witnessed clashes and attacks by rival groups in recent days.

As a first step, the alliance will hold its next two supreme council meetings in Northern Areas in order to interact with local religious forces and take steps for the alliance’s organization.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting between the top MMA leadership and a delegation of ulema representing all major sects here on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at the parliament house cafeteria on Friday, MMA’s deputy secretary-general Liaquat Baloch the meeting appealed to ulema to shun efforts to dominate smaller groups and adopt a policy of peace and reconciliation.

The meeting asked the religious forces in the area to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the smooth functioning of public sector hospitals, educational institutions and other social services.