KOHAT, May 7: The ongoing tussle between two groups of Awami National Party over selling of party tickets during the Senate elections deepened on Wednesday when the district administration banned gathering of more than five persons in the district and in mosques except for prayers.

In an attempt to maintain law and order, the administration has also banned carrying of arms for one month with immediate effect under Section 144.

The decision was taken by District Nazim Malik Asad following a spate of accusations and counter-accusations between the two groups over the selling of party tickets and votes during the Senate elections.

Both groups had said they would gather at Hazrat Haji Bahadar mosque on Friday to confront each other.