KARACHI, March 15: A quarrel between two men of different sects took a communal turn in Mominabad, Orangi Town, on Saturday and miscreants ransacked three houses, brought household items out on the street and set them on fire.

Witnesses and those living in the area said Mohammed Ali and Irfan Zaidi quarrelled over a petty matter and they attacked each other with sticks and chains.

Mohammed Ali was injured and he shouted for help. His friends came to his help and they gathered more people of their school of thought.

The youths then ransacked three house at Mohajir Chowk in Mominabad. One of the houses was set on fire. The police arrived at the troubled spot. The fire brigade put out the fire.

The fire brigade said the house was saved from being completely destroyed and household items were badly damaged.

The police baton charged the agitated youths and dispersed them. They pelted the police with stones and melted away into narrow lanes. Police patrolling has been intensified in the area.

Rangers were providing backup support to the police, a senior officer said. The situation was brought under control and some miscreants were picked up at the spot, who were later released.

DIG Operations Tariq Jamil said: “The situation was under control. We have asked Ulema of the two sects to hold a meeting to diffuse the tension. Announcements were also made from a nearby mosque in which people were asked to be peaceful.”

He said miscreants attempted to set houses on fire but Rangers and the police foiled their attempt.

People living in the area said there was tension in the locality and shops and markets remained closed.

Shops in Jaffer Tayyar Society in Malir also remained closed in protest against what happened in Mominabad, Orangi Town. People had gathered in Jaffer Tayyar Society to proceed to Orangi Town, but the police and the administration persuaded them not to do so after which they dispersed peacefully.

The Sindh government has constituted a committee to ascertain the losses caused by disturbance in Mominabad police limits on March 13, adds PPI.

The committee shall comprise Mohammed Husain Syed, Executive District Officer (Revenue), City District Government Karachi, and Imran Ahmar, Town Police Officer, SITE.

The terms of reference of the committee are to inspect the houses/ properties affected to ascertain the losses and to make recommendations for compensation.

The committee will submit its report through the city nazim by March 17.