Protesters block road after arrests
Dozens of people, including women, blocked traffic at District Council Chowk in protest against the arrest of five people, alleging that they had been called for settlement of a dispute over land occupation.
The protesters from the Babuwala area blocking the road, shouted slogans against the arrest and demanded release of the men.
They dispersed after local police officials held negotiations with them.
The protesters, led by Hafiz Abrar, a resident of Ramzan Nagar near Jhang Road, alleged that the official in charge of Rasheedabad police post, on the complaint of Shafaqat Dogar, had registered a case under sections 506B, 447, 148 and 149, and summoned Imran, Azam, Riaz and Iftikhar on the pretext of reconciliation.
The five men who went for reconciliation were, however, arrested and sent to the Saddar police station. The protesters said the arrested men should be released immediately.
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They blocked the District Council Chowk for several hours and set up a protest camp when their demands were not met.
The DSP and SHO of Civil Lines reached the spot and held talks with the protesters. The officials reportedly assured them that their demands would be accepted.
When contacted, Faisalabad Saddar Police Station SHO Inspector Waheed Shahid said the men had been arrested on the charge of trying to occupy the land owned by Shafqat Dogar.
He said the FIR had been registered after the SP of the Iqbal Town heard both parties several times, while the related revenue record was also checked.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2022.