Local bodies polls were held on Sunday to elect Nazims, Naib Nazims and councillors in 40 union councils of Ghotki district. The turnout remained low, while a man died and five others were hurt in various clashes between rival groups.
According to details, the polls started here on Sunday morning one hour late. Extraordinary security steps were taken. However, incidents of violence took place in various parts of the district.
After boycott by Pakistan People's Party, two major groups, Mahar group and Lound group were left in the arena. Armed men of both groups clashed at Wango polling station of union council Dhangiro of Mirpur Mathelo, resulting in death of one Abdul Sattar Mirani of Lound group.
In another clash at Sono Pittafi polling station four persons were injured.
Polling at Union Council Ubauro was cancelled when a group of armed men allegedly belonging to the Lound group took over various polling stations in Union Council Katcha Chandia. A clash took place and one Khan Muhammad Mazri of Mahar group and three cops Azam Ali, Abdul Sattar and Gul Muhammad were injured.
Armed men reportedly kidnapped the polling staff. However, DPO Ghotki Ghulam Nabi Memon reached there along with heavy police contingent and controlled the situation.
Assistant Election Commissioner, district Ghotki, confirmed that polling in the union council Katcha Chanida had been cancelled and now it would be held on May 22, 2006.
A clash between supporters of Mahar and Lound groups also occurred at polling station No 8, in which two men Mouj Ali and Naved were slightly injured.
Due to very hot weather, the voters seemed uninterested in the polls process, and turnout generally remained low.