A 35-year old rivalry between two families exploded in an armed confrontation here two days ago that led to the death of Faiz Elahi, a passer-by, on Wednesday.
The families developed hostility over a court case 33 years ago, in which some members of the Murshid group appeared as witnesses in a murder case against the Nihaalu group. Since then, the two groups have been intense rivals occasionally breaking into bouts of violence. A member of the Murshid group said the families had killed at least 18 people in the last 33 years.
Two days ago, the two groups fired at each other at Chowk Bazaar. Kiran, 16, was caught in the crossfire and died from the injuries. Several passers-by were also injured. This led to an escalation of violence in the Old City area, Hussainagahi Bazaar, Chowk Bazaar, Delhi Gate, Haram Gate and Bohar Gate.
The members of both groups fired at each other at intervals. The sniping caused suspension of business activity in the markets in these areas. More than 1,200 shops are reported to have been shut down for two days.
Elahi, a passer-by, died of bullet wounds. As many as six people, including Altaf and Hassan, members of the Nihaalu group, were injured and taken to Nishtar Hospital for treatment.
Several of Kiran’s relatives, members of the Murshid group, staged a protest demonstration against the Nihaalu group at Daulat Gate on Wednesday. They placed Kiran’s body on the road which they blocked for over six hours.
City Circle SP Naeem Khan said the situation was better on Wednesday. He said police were looking for members of both groups.
Also on Wednesday, trader groups protested against the worsening law and order situation in the area.
So far, 300 police personnel are on the lookout for the criminals, Khan said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2013.