Citizens face nuisance as protests block roads

Police fire tear gas to disperse protesters

LAHORE:

Citizens had to face difficulties as the traffic system of the provincial capital came to a standstill in certain areas when major roads were blocked with containers and other hurdles to contain the protests by the activists of a religious group on Friday.

Reportedly, the activists of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) staged protests in different parts of the city demanding the release of TLP chief Saad Rizvi.

Dozens of containers blocked main arteries in Lahore. Police fired tear gas and initiated baton charge to disperse the protestors after they turned violent.

The protesters reportedly staged a sit-in outside their headquarters near Chowk Yateem Khana.

Police placed containers at over two dozens points to discourage the sit-ins, creating hurdles in the protesters’ mobility.

The heavy contingent of police using anti-riot gears, batons and tear gas ammunition were also deployed in major roundabout of the city. The arrangements caused much nuisance to the public. However, these could not stop the protesters to head towards their destination gradually.

The protesters had cross Data Darbar, a place situated around 15 kilometres away from the protesters’ headquarters. The protesters had clashed with police at various points during their rally.

They were also seen attempting to remove the containers. Police were also seen firing tear gas shells on them.

The protesters had been staging a sit-in for the past four days.

The negotiations between police and them were also held. However, after there was no outcome of the talks, the TLP announced to march towards Islamabad.

To stop the protestors doing so, police blocked the roads leading towards the religious party’s headquarters at two points of the city.

Heavy contingents of police were deployed and a number of containers were also called in.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mehmood Dogar had chaired a meeting at Qila Gujjar Singh on Wednesday to chalk out a strategy to disperse the protesters.

All DIGs, SSPs and SPs had participated in the meeting. Lahore police after the meeting held a flag march with dozens of vehicles and heavy motorcycles that marched throughout the city.

Over the past two days, Lahore police moved a large number of containers to different parts of the city from Chowk Yateem Khana, Babu Sabu Interchange, Band Road, Gulshan-e-Ravi, Samanabad, Thokar Niaz Beg, Saggian Bridge, Multan Road and Shahdara. Barbed wires and barriers were also placed. The internet service was also suspended at these flashpoints.

Moreover, certain roads and markets remained deserted as citizens refrained from leaving their houses in anticipation of the law and order situation.

The authorities concerned had earlier restricted the Metro Bus service.

Meanwhile, Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Muntazir Mehdi said in a statement, “The traffic flow was as per usual on all entry and exit points of the city as well as on Ferozepur Road, Jail Road, Wahdat Road, Mall Road and Canal Road.”

He further said traffic also remained unaffected in Chungi Amar Sadhu, Thokar Niaz Baig, Chung and Mohlanwal areas, as well as on GT Road.

However, roads connecting Babu Sabu to Scheme Morr toward Yateem Khana Chowk had been closed for traffic while a protest by blind persons was under way at Secretariat Chowk, the CTO explained.

Citizens can contact the 15 helpline for more information, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2021.