MIANWALI: The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel have allegedly picked more than 20 suspects for their alleged involvement in an armed clash at Kalabagh town on Monday last between two groups belonging to rival sects, that had left two men dead and over 30 injured.

According to local sources, the CDT launched a massive crackdown in Kalabagh town on Wednesday and allegedly picked 20 suspects during house searches for investigation.

An armed clash had occurred between followers of two sects over the route of a Chehlum procession, during which two persons were killed and more than 30 were injured.

Since the clash, the town is tense and all the markets have been shut as traders’ strike has entered its fourth day.

The Rangers and police personnel are patrolling the deserted streets of Kalabagh town to maintain law and order.

District police sources say that the CTD has registered a first information report (FIR) of the incident against scores of people, nominating may of them, on terrorism charges. However, the FIR is being kept confidential, they add.

As per sources in Kalabagh town, the CTD officials have also picked some local leaders of a sect, including Mohammad Sidiqe and Rafiqe Piracha, who had also participated in peace committee meetings held to resolve the issue.

Noor Elahi, a trader from Kalabagh town, contacted Dawn on telephone from Islamabad and alleged that CTD personnel raided his residence on Wednesday night without any search warrant and woman police and picked his three sons.

He also alleged that the CTD personnel damaged precious items in the house during the raid and harassed his family members.

It is learnt that the district administration is in touch with prominent figures of both sects in an effort to restore peace in the area.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2024