GILGIT The N and Q factions of Pakistan Muslim League and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement organised separate protests here on Friday against alleged rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.

Hundreds of political workers took to the streets and raised slogans against the government, calling for re-elections in LA-1, LA-2 and LA-3 constituencies.

The PML-N candidate in LA-1, Jafarullah, and his supporters held a demonstration outside the Supreme Appellate Court to challenge the results of some polling stations in the constituency.

Several other demonstrations were held in different parts of the city in which enraged protesters blocked roads.

During a demonstration jointly organised by PML-Q, MQM and independent candidates from LA-3, protesters made a sit-in at the Danyore chowk. They later took out processions which terminated outside Radio Pakistan, Gilgit.

Speakers accused the government of using state machinery for PPP-backed candidates.Security was tightened in the city and law enforcement personnel kept up patrols throughout the day.

PPP FOLD An independent candidate, Abdul Hamid Khan, who was declared winner from LA-13, Astore-1, has announced joining the People's Party.

Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed, the in charge of Gilgit-Baltistan election cell, told a press conference that the PPP had won 12 seats in the Legislative Assembly and enjoyed the support of one independent candidate.

He said the party would announce the name of its candidate for the chief minister's post on Nov 16. He rejected allegations of rigging.