RAHIM YAR KHAN: Two events of camel fights were organised by local landlords and influential persons in the riverine area in violation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as law to prevent cruelty against animals.

One of the events was held at Basti Makoora of Chak Veeha in the riverine area of Kucha Chohan on the borders of Sabzani police station of Rajanpur district and Abadpur police station of Rahim Yar Khan district, about 65 kilometres from here on Sunday.

As per sources, around 2,000 people witnessed the camel fight at Basti Makoora after paying the organisers Rs500-Rs1,000 each.

Events blatantly held despite prior information to DC, RPO

Similarly, the other event was organised in riverine Seema area of Kacha Mianwali near Bangla Ichha police station on the borders of Rajanpur district. No ticket was charged for this fight from the spectators.

Both events were advertised through social media, as well as posters displayed in the area, the sources said.

The‘Rustam-e-Pakistan Camel Fight’ at Kucha Chohan was allegedly arranged under the patronage of Sardar Faiz Rasool Khan Korai, while Sardar Bilawal Khan Mazari and Sardar Sajjad Khan Mazari were also among the organisers.

The main contest of this fight was between the camel named “Chan Mahi”, owned bySajjad Mazari and “Dhool Badshah” owned byJam Shabbir Laar, a landlord from Kot Addu.

The fight at Kucha Mianwali was allegedly organised under the patronage of Sardar Goshu Khan Mazari and Sardar Hamza Khan Mazari, where the main contestants were “Malangi”owned by Sardar Malik Asad Dhool and “Sakhi Laal” of Sardar Muhammad Khan Gopang.

As per sources, the spectators also placed bets on their favourite camels during the contests.

Interestingly, on receiving reports on Saturday about these events, when Dawn had contacted RYK Deputy Commissioner Ali Shehzad, he had claimed no such activity would be allowed in the limits of the district.

Similarly, the spokesperson for Bahawalpur Regional Police Officer--Rao Hussain-- had on Saturday assured that the district police officers concerned would be alerted about the events.

On Sunday, Mr Hussain denied such events were held in RPO’s jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, no action was taken against the organisers of these events held in violation of law by the local officials of the wildlife department.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2021