SRINAGAR: Activists of the mainland Pakistan parties fought each other as a result of which two activists are reported killed. Four soldiers, who were on poll duty, died in a road accident, international media reported.
Reuters reported that supporters of the ruling Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) and opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had a clash in one constituency, resulting in two deaths.
Reports said the incident took place in Charhoi constituency, near Kotli, where PPP activists opened fire on PTI activists. The two slain activists’ were identified as Zaheer Ahmad, 40, and Mohammad Ramzan, 50. They received bullets in an attack on Mithi Jand polling station. While Ahmad died on the spot, Ramzan succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated to the hospital.
There were clashes at other places also though there was not any casualty. “Clashes between the rival parties were also reported from several polling stations in the capital Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Bagh, and Rawlakot districts, suspending the voting for hours,” Anadolu Agency reported from Muzaffarabad. “Footage aired on local broadcaster Express News showed charged activists exchanging blows, kicks, and sticks against each other.”
“In a separate incident, five police constables were injured after Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) activists attacked them with batons at the Dhal Chakhya polling station,” Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. “Voting in some polling stations of other constituencies was also temporarily suspended due to incidents of violence. Several people were reportedly injured in clashes and a number of political activists were also detained by the police.”
At a few places, the army was called in to manage the clashes. It was one of these army units that met an accident.
Four soldiers who were involved in securing the poll died when their vehicle plunged into a ravine. Three soldiers were rescued in injured condition.
Meanwhile, the counting has begun. Initial trends suggest the PTI is leading at 24 berths, PML-N at four seats, and PPP at 11 berths according to Geo TV. While it was anticipated that PTI would wrest the Muzaffarabad assembly, what is surprising is that PPP is emerging as the No 2 and not the PML-N.
