ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has denounced baton-charge on a peace rally by Rangers at Wagah check post on Monday.

A spokesman on Tuesday deplored the action of Rangers against the peace rally, organized by various human rights and professional organizations, trade unions, lawyers, writers, political workers and intellectuals, led by Asma Jehangir.

He regretted that Ms Jehangir, Hina Jilani and a large number of other participants were baton-charged and injured.

The peaceful rally was organized to protest against the Indian war threats and terrorism and was not directed against the Musharraf government.

The avoidable use of brute force by uniformed and armed personnel against women protesters was not only uncalled for but also shameful and most reprehensible, he added.

“What did the Rangers try to prove by ripping apart the white peace flags and banners with slogans not against the government, but against war and terrorism and by baton-charging women protester? the spokesman asked.

He said it is even more shameful that uniformed guards of the Rangers hurled invectives at the protesters and brutalizing women.

The Rangers personnel should be ashamed of this show of bravado. They reportedly hit lawyers and journalists, covering the event and at one point even threatened to use fire power.

The PPP condemned the incident and demanded of the government to hold an inquiry and make accountable those ordering the use of force against peace activists.