Multiple scuffles reported from NA-122

LAHORE: Scattered scuffles between the PTI and PML-N activists were witnessed outside several polling stations during the NA-122 by-election on Sunday.
The first incident took place at Basti Saidan Shah where the PTI and PML-N supporters created law and order situation, as they traded blows, uprooted each other’s camps and tore banners and posters into pieces. They also chanted slogans against their rival leaders and hurled chairs at each other. Policemen tried to disperse the infuriated activists but failed. However, the situation was soon brought under control after the army personnel reached the spot. Several people were injured in the clash.
The supporters of rival parties scuffled at polling booths 89, 90, 91, 92 and 95; however, the polling process continued without any hindrance.
A minor skirmish was also reported from Ludharwala Chowk, as the charged activists chanted slogans against the rival party leaders.
Situation was also tense outside the Shadman Crescent Model School polling station where the PTI and PML-N activists manhandled each other.
In yet another incident, police arrested a youth from outside a polling station in Rehmanpura. A case has also been registered against Abdul Muqtadar who is stated to be a PML-N activist.
Minor scuffles were also reported in Samanabad and Ichhra. However, no casualty was reported in these incidents. The Samanabad police registered a case against some activists of both the parties for creating law and order situation.
At around 5:10 pm, the PML-N and PTI activists attacked and manhandled each other in Garhi Shahu after they gathered outside a polling station. Leaders present at the spot tried to calm down their workers but to no avail. However, police managed to control the crowd.
On the instructions of the Election Commission of Pakistan, the army personnel were deployed at every polling station. Police also conducted flag march in the city in which Elite Force, Mujahid Squad, Bomb Disposal Squad, and Rescue 1122 participated. The helicopters also kept flying over the city for aerial surveillance. Around 80 polling stations were declared sensitive by the security agencies.
During the by-election, four-layered security was provided as policemen with anti-riot equipment remained alert to deal with any kind untoward situation in Lahore and Okara. An armoured personnel carrier (APC) was also available in the vicinity to deal with any emergency while the Rescue 1122 also remained on stand-by position.
A total of 8,688 police officials remained on duty in the two districts. Similarly, special teams headed by a SP-rank officer patrolled their respective areas throughout the day.