34 face terror charge for rioting in Haripur

Procession leaves 33 policemen injured after participants open fire

HARIPUR:

The police arrested 34 people from a religious party on Monday for attacking and injuring 33 policemen, vandalising and burning public and private properties, and violating the restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

According to sources, a procession led by Saad Hussain, Mufti Shafiq Amin and Qari Umair al-Zari, comprising some 6,000-7,000 people, entered Abbottabad in violation of Section 144 CrPCon Sunday. The local administration tried to negotiate with the procession leaders, but they refused to the dialogue.

Later, they opened fire and attacked police officers and jawans on duty by firing. Injuring 33 of them. Besides they also set on fire many police vans as well as private vehicles and motorcycles. They also kidnapped five government employees, while retreating, but the kidnapped officials were recovered.

The police registered a case against the religious party leaders at the Havelian police station under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and other relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and started investigation. Police said they would also register a case in Haripur.’

Meanwhile, District Police Officer Sajjad Khan visited the Ayub Medical Complex and to enquire after the injured police officers and jawans. It was stated that Sub-Inspector Afsar Khan was undergoing treatment in the hospital due to severe injuries.