GUJRAT: The Karkali police registered cases against PML-N MNA Abid Raza Kotla and his brother Shahid Raza Kotla (PML-Q leader) on Tuesday after the gunmen from both brothers’ groups clashed over a land dispute in Sheikhpur Sariya village.

As no casualty was reported, the police registered cases against 30 nominated and 60 unidentified gunmen from both Abid group and Shahid group. They exchanged heavy firing which panicked local residents.

Cases were registered under sections 6/7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and 324, 148, 149 and 109 of Pakistan Penal Code on the report of sub-inspector Tariq Mahmood. As Sheikhpur Sariya village is notorious for clashes, the police have established a permanent chowki there.

Land disputes split Kotlas a decade ago where Naeem Raza, former adviser to the chief minister, and Shahid, former chairman of the Kotla Union Council, are in the PML-Q, whereas the remaining four brothers have been the part of the PML-N since 2008.

The police arfe conducting raids to arrest the suspects while tensions prevail in the Kotla and its surrounding areas.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2019