MUZAFFARABAD: The election atmosphere in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) took a dramatic turn yesterday as police confirmed the arrest of Chaudhry Ali Shan Soni, candidate of the Istiqlal Pakistan Party (IPP) from LA‑6 Bhimber‑II Samahni, on charges of attacking a polling station and setting it on fire.
According to police officials, Soni is accused of burning votes and interfering in the election process, with a case registered against him under the Terrorism Act.
His son has also reportedly been taken into custody. Authorities said that raids are underway to apprehend other supporters involved in the riots, with 20 suspects already arrested.
The District Magistrate of Bhimber stated that the accused belong to Punjab and spread panic at polling stations, setting fire to ballot boxes and disrupting the process.
Sources further claimed that an alleged firing incident occurred at the Chowki Civil Dispensary polling station, while reports suggest that a ballot box was taken away during the chaos.
It should be remembered that Chaudhry Ali Shan Soni, contesting from LA‑6 Samahni, had secured 17,974 votes and came in second place.
Earlier, the District Magistrate had taken strict notice of riots and clashes in the constituency, warning miscreants against attempts to sabotage peaceful polling.
This development adds to the string of controversies that marred the first phase of elections in Mirpur division, including clashes in Nakyal, the suspension and arrest of presiding officers in Kotli, and allegations of rigging in LA‑10 Kotli by Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah.
