RAWALPINDI, Jan 21: At least 40 people, including three policemen, were injured in a clash between two groups in Dheri Hassanabad on Friday, as local legislators rushed to cool down emotions running high.

Police used tear gas to disperse the clashing groups, but no arrests were made. Three policemen were slightly injured.

The clash started when a procession, led by Manzoor Jaffari and brought out from Qasar-e-Abbas after the Friday prayers, came face to face with a group led by Akram Hamdani.

MNA Malik Ibrar and MPA Chaudhry Iyaz visited the troubled area and held talks with the groups' leaders. “I have requested them to settle their issues peacefully and end tension. They have agreed to my request,” said Mr Ibrar.

Eyewitnesses said the two groups first started throwing fruits at each other and later pelted stones, leaving people from both sides injured. The reinforcement riot police was called to assist policemen present there. Police separated the clashing groups by laying barbed wire and erecting barriers. Shops were closed down after the clash.

Fourteen injured people, including Manzoor and Ghayoor Abbas who fell unconscious due to excessive tear gas shelling, were taken to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. They are stated to be in stable condition.

Doctors at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) said 17 injured people were brought to the hospital. They left after getting treatment, as none of them was seriously wounded. Those with minor injuries were treated by the Rescue 1122 medical staff on the spot.

Last year a clash between the two groups was averted when the district administration and police intervened in time.

Later a demonstration was held at Chandni Chowk against the police's use of tear gas in Dheri Hassanabad. The protesters marched towards Press Club in Liaquat Bagh.