Cops hurt as encroachment survey sparks clashes

ISLAMABAD:

Several police personnel were injured on Monday after local residents resorted to stone-pelting during a joint survey against encroachments and alleged illegal occupation of state land in the Noorpur Shahan and Bari Imam areas of the federal capital.

The survey was being conducted by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), the district administration, and Islamabad Police when clashes erupted. Following police action, protesters staged a strong demonstration, resulting in severe traffic congestion on Bhara Kahu Road, Banigala, and adjoining arteries, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for hours.

Traffic flow was restored after negotiations with the protesters.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Islamabad Police said that the police, along with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the district revenue department, were carrying out a peaceful and lawful survey in Nori Mohallah when local individuals, without provocation, opened fire and pelted stones at the survey teams.

As a result, several police officials sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.