CHICHAWATNI – Harappa Police have registered a case against 27 individuals, including several women, following a violent clash between two nomadic groups that led to the blockade of the National Highway. Authorities confirmed that 11 suspects have already been taken into custody.
The Incident: From Children’s Quarrel to Armed Conflict
The tension erupted late Sunday night near Dad Fatiana on the Lahore-Multan National Highway. According to reports, what began as a minor dispute between children from the same nomadic tribe quickly escalated as adults intervened. The verbal spat rapidly spiraled into a full-blown armed confrontation.
According to eyewitness accounts:
Both groups engaged in active gunfire, causing widespread panic among commuters and local residents.
Women from both sides joined the fray, engaging in physical brawls on the main road and effectively halting the flow of vehicles.
The chaos resulted in a total suspension of traffic coming from both the Lahore and Khanewal directions.
Police Response and Restoration of Order
SHO Harappa, Asif Sarwar, stated that while some individuals sustained minor injuries during the skirmish, they were shifted for medical treatment by their own associates rather than through Rescue 1122.
Upon receiving the alert, a heavy police contingent reached the site to disperse the rioters. After a tense standoff, officers successfully cleared the highway and restored traffic flow within 30 minutes.
Legal Action and Charges
The case was registered on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Rahat Nazir. The First Information Report (FIR) names 27 individuals, including Jabbar, Ismail (alias Pony), Sajid, Umar, Younis, and Jamil, alongside several unidentified suspects.
The accused are facing charges under:
Various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The Punjab Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960.
Police officials have stated that raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining primary suspects involved in the firing and the illegal blockade.