What Happened During the TLP March in Muridke?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four fatalities reported during TLP march clashes.
- 56 injuries among civilians and law enforcement personnel.
- 170 arrests made under Maintenance of Public Order.
- Ongoing protests in Lahore indicate rising tensions.
- Public criticism of TLP's violent actions on social media.
Islamabad, Oct 13 (NationPress) Four individuals, including both police officers and civilians, tragically lost their lives, while 56 others sustained injuries during violent confrontations in Muridke, Pakistan, linked to the long march of the radical Islamist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), as reported by local media.
In response to the escalating violence, Pakistani police and rangers initiated an operation to disperse TLP supporters. Reports indicate that the demonstrators resorted to throwing stones, wielding spiked sticks, and using petrol bombs, followed by indiscriminate gunfire, resulting in casualties among law enforcement and civilians alike.
The chaos led to injuries for 48 police and rangers personnel, with 17 suffering from gunfire. Additionally, three TLP supporters and a passerby lost their lives, while eight other civilians were reported injured, as stated by The Express Tribune.
Authorities have arrested approximately 170 individuals, including workers, office-bearers, and activists linked to TLP across three districts in Punjab province.
The arrests, conducted under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), included 69 in Pakpattan, 42 in Sahiwal, and 50 in Okara districts.
Violent protests erupted in Lahore over the weekend as TLP clashed with police after being prevented from marching towards the capital for a large pro-Palestine demonstration.
In response, law enforcement agencies, including the Pakistan Rangers, and a significant police presence were deployed to Muridke early Sunday, surrounding the TLP protest camp, indicating a potential large-scale crackdown.
Moreover, police officers were placed on high alert for possible emergencies, with senior officials in Lahore directed to remain prepared for deployment until further notice.
According to a source from Punjab province police, the decision to bolster police presence followed a high-level meeting held on Saturday night.
During this meeting, officials were informed that TLP supporters had previously attacked police facilities in Shahdara, Lahore, making off with 18 official motorbikes and inflicting significant damage.
The mob reportedly seized government vehicles at gunpoint for unlawful activities.
Amid the turmoil in Shahdara, reports indicated that some Lahore policemen were unaccounted for, raising fears of possible abduction.
The TLP, known for its radical stance, faced heavy criticism on social media, with users condemning the violence despite ongoing peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.