QUETTA, March 5: A division bench of the Balochistan High Court has asked the provincial government to assist on humanitarian grounds the women and children living in the Marri camp, keeping in view the human rights guaranteed in the constitution.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice Akhtar Zaman Malghani directed the capital city police officer to appear in person and submit a comprehensive report regarding arrests and action conducted in the Marri camp.

A citizen, Haji Rahim, has challenged the search operation alleging that police violated law while conducting raids on houses and disgraced women of the Marri tribe.

The assistant superintendent of police, Shalkot, submitted that the unoccupied Marri Qila was searched during a raid and a large quantity of arms and ammunition was seized. He claimed that underground cells were found in the fort.

The court observed that in view of the serious allegations levelled in the petition the city police chief should have attended the proceedings.

It stated that all agencies, including police, were legally bound to uphold the dignity, honour and respect of all the citizens in accordance with the law and the constitution. It said special care should be taken while dealing with women.

The court accepted the submission of the provincial home secretary seeking opportunity for filing detailed comments and adjourned the hearing until Monday.