DADU, May 12 Hundreds of journalists participated in a procession here on Wednesday to voice protest against murder of local journalist Ghulam Rasool Birhamani.

They had come from Sanghar, Larkana, Sehwan, Johi, Mehar, Khairpur Nathan Shah, Wahi Pandhi, Bhan Syedabad, Phulji, Sita road, Moro, Khairpur Mirs', Sukkur and other towns to record their anger.

Birhamani, 30, who worked for Daily Sindhu Hyderabad as a reporter was allegedly kidnapped by Lashari tribesmen on Sunday. The following day his body was found at a deserted place two kilometres from Wahi Pandhi.

A large number of activists of social organisations and political parties including JSQM, STP, PPP-SB and Awami Tehrik also participated in the procession, which marched from the press club to the DPO Chowk.

The procession was led by president of the press club Nizamuddin Shaikh, Ghous Bux Jhatiyal, Riaz Chandio, leaders of PPP-SB and Awami Ittehad ladies wing.

Riaz Chandio said that Birhamani was killed as a punishment for reporting a story about marriage of 12-year-old Mumtaz Lashari to 22-year-old Najma Lashari about two months ago.

Ghous Bux Jhatiyal alleged that Birhamani was kidnapped by Lashari tribesmen who tortured him to death. Journalists were performing their duty in the district at great risk to their lives because it was the second murder of a journalist.

He said that police were delaying arrest of the accused.

Nizamuddin Shaikh warned of holding a demonstration outside the residences of MNAs and MPAs if the accused were not arrested immediately.

He said that feudal lords were trying to dominate the district and journalists had to bear the major brunt because they highlighted issues of the poor.

He announced that the press club would pursue the case of the journalist in courts.

PPP MPA Kulsoom Chandio assured journalists that the accused would be arrested within 24 hours. Later, the journalists ended protest.

Police have arrested Akbar Lashari, a close friend of Birhamani, Aziz Lashari and two others in connection with the murder.