Summary Political tensions intensified in AJK’s Haveli constituency after vehicles were vandalised amid an election dispute and competing allegations.
MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) - Political tensions escalated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s LA-17 Haveli constituency following an election dispute, with several vehicles parked along a roadside allegedly vandalised in Hotar village.
According to local sources, vehicle windows were smashed during the incident, while allegations were also made that passports and cash belonging to some individuals were taken.
The incident reportedly occurred outside the residence of Zahid Hashmi, a senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader and president of the International Kashmir Peace Forum Europe, in his native village of Hotar. Local sources alleged that workers affiliated with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and an independent candidate attacked people present outside the residence.
Several vehicles parked along the road were reportedly damaged during the incident. Some of the affected vehicles belonged to people who had travelled from Saudi Arabia to Haveli specifically to cast their votes. The attackers were also alleged to have taken passports and cash from some individuals after smashing the vehicle windows.
Local sources said different claims were emerging regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, while police have launched an investigation. Authorities said action would be taken against anyone found to have taken the law into their own hands on the basis of available evidence.
The political atmosphere in LA-17 Haveli had already been tense following a recent election dispute. The District Returning Officer Haveli had issued a notification on Wednesday declaring Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Faisal Mumtaz Rathore the winner in accordance with Form 27.
Following the notification, incidents of alleged attacks on PPP workers by PML-N supporters were reported, while the latest vehicle vandalism incident in Hotar has further heightened tensions in the area.
Residents have urged the administration and police to take indiscriminate action against those responsible and ensure effective measures to maintain law and order.
PML-N, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the incidents in Hotar and elsewhere, denying any involvement in attacks or vandalism.
