Lyari residents protest lack of ration distribution

Agitated protesters block Mauripur Road

KARACHI: Angered by the unavailability of funds and ration for daily-wage workers, scores of residents from Lyari took to the streets to protest on Thursday. The protesters alleged that the Sindh government has failed to devise a mechanism to distribute ration to the needy, despite the passage of eleven days of the lockdown.

Scores of residents, including women and children, from different localities of Lyari including Agra Taj Colony, Machhar Colony, Memon Society, Hangurabad and the adjoining areas were part of the protest.

The agitated protesters erected barriers and blocked Mauripur Road, halting the movement of vehicles carrying goods, as they shouted slogans against the provincial government. This resulted in a traffic jam on Mauripur Road itself, as well as West Wharf, Jinnah Bridge and Native Jetty Bridge.

The distraught citizens said they felt that they were being lied to by the federal and provincial governments.

"We don't have ration to feed our children, who will die due to the unavailability of food," the protestors stated. "Who will be responsible if they die?"

They stated that when they arrived at ration distribution points, they were turned away by the authorities with the use of force.

A heavy contingent of the law enforcement officials reached the protest site and calmed the protesters down. The demonstration ended when the law enforcers assured the protestors of their full cooperation.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2020.