Love marriage row displaces 600 in Badin

. A dispute over a love marriage has triggered tensions between the Machhi and Kamboh communities in Chak No 5 on the outskirts of Golarachi, with members of the Machhi community alleging that more than 60 of their homes were demolished, forcing over 600 people to flee. The displaced families claimed that armed men had damaged their houses several days ago and taken away household belongings and livestock. They alleged that women, children and men were forced to leave their homes and relocate elsewhere. The victims also accused the police of siding with the rival group and demanded protection and action against those allegedly involved in damaging their homes and taking away their belongings. The Badin police, however, rejected reports circulating on social media about houses being set on fire and belongings being looted. According to the police, the dispute stemmed from the marriage of Nadeem Machhi to Aalia Fatima Kamboh, the daughter of his landlord, around a month ago. The couple later appeared before a court and recorded statements affirming that they had married of their own free will. The police said members of the Machhi community had been living in makeshift huts on government land in Chak No 5 and had voluntarily left the area following the marriage and moved elsewhere. The police also denied allegations that members of the Kamboh community had set fire to the houses or looted the belongings of the Machhi families. Residents protest lack of basic facilities Residents of Liaquat Town, Mehboob Town, Jam Bungalows and other areas of Union Committees 66 and 67 staged a protest outside the Tandojam Press Club against what they described as the alleged failure of local union committee representatives and the Public Health Department to provide basic civic facilities. The protesters raised slogans and demanded improved sanitation, proper drainage of wastewater, construction and repair of drains and roads.