Raging Rally: 8 injured in clash with police

FAISALABAD:

A total of eight people, including five police officials, sustained multiple injuries in a clash between police and infuriated mob at Faisalabad.

According to eyewitnesses, the protesters were rallying against the police’s failure in protecting their lives and property. The police resorted to baton charging the crowd. The crowd then began to damage dozens of police and civilian vehicles and also pelted stones at the police.

Five police officials, including station house officer (SHO) Saeed Anwar, an assistant sub-inspector and three constables were injured as a result.

Hundreds of the villagers moved to main Faisalabad-Sammundri Road near Dijkot and blocked it for several hours following the incident and burned tyres. A heavy police contingent reached at the spot and tried to disperse the demonstrators after negotiating.

Locals alleged that robbery incidents had become increasingly common and the police were not doing enough to address the situation. “In most cases they don’t catch the accused because police are involved in the robberies,” said a protester, Majid.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2011.