Several hurt as PPP, 'N' supporters clash in Skardu

SECURITY personnel were deployed in Skardu following a clash between PPP and PML-N supporters in which several people were injured on Sunday, reported a private TV channel.
Section 144 was imposed in the city and the authorities have called a meeting with representatives from both the parties to defuse the situation.
As several political parties continued protests against rigging in elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly after announcement of official results, at least 12 persons were injured in Skardu as PPP and PML-N workers clashed.
Protesters, thousands in number, including women held a demonstration outside Supreme Appellate Court against rigging in polls for Gilgits constituencies 1, 2 and 3. The demonstrators claimed that the administration was not taking any action despite being provided with the evidence of rigging. Karakoram Highway and Gilgit city remained blocked on the third consecutive day due to the protests.
On the other hand, PPP supporters successful candidate Wazir Shakeel organised a rally in Skardu on Sunday afternoon. When the rally arrived at Hussainabad, a PML-Ns stronghold, public got intimidated by the slogans of the participants of the rally and they pelted stones on the procession.
The windowpanes of two buses and four cars were smashed and 12 persons were injured in the incident.
Police fired bullets in air and fired teargas shells to take control of the situation. Tension still prevailed in the area due to the incident.