A standoff on metropolitan city's main traffic artery, Shahrae Faisal, between activists of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) and police left at least two cops injured.
Police had set up a barricade to stop a JSQM rally. The Sindhi nationalist party was marching against construction of six canals over the Indus River, which was likely to further reduce water share of the lower riparian province.
As the protestors and police came face to face, SHO Saddar and the driver of the SSP South were injured in the ensuing scuffle.
The protesters attacked the police with sticks and stones. The charged protesters also damaged three police mobile vehicles with sticks.
Police were trying to prevent the rally from heading towards the Red Zone area near Shahrae Faisal FTC, on which they became angry and started scuffling with the police. During this, a severe traffic jam occurred on Shahrae Faisal near Baloch Colony, causing long queues of vehicles.
The rally participants refused to take the alternative route suggested by the police, while the police insisted that they would not be allowed to enter the Red Zone. During this, barricades were set up near Gora Qabristan, and the rally was diverted through Baloch Colony, Sindhi Muslim Society, and Shahrah-e-Quaideen. During this, protesters clashed with SSP South Mehroz Ali, attacking him with sticks. Police personnel managed to rescue SSP South and move him to a safe location, but SHO Saddar and SSP South's gunman, Shafiq, sustained injuries.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, SSP South Mehroz Ali clarified that he did not attempt to stop the rally but only informed the protesters that entering the Red Zone was against the law.
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