The once bustling Qissa Khwani Bazaar remains uncharacteristically deserted. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS
They held a walk and passed through different markets holding banners and chanting slogans against the government’s failure to curb terror attacks and restore peace. Innocent people have been dying and their businesses have been greatly affected by the precarious law and order situation, said protesters.
“Provide us peace or resign from the government,” said Shaukat Ali Khan, the general secretary of the Provincial Traders Association. Both provincial and federal governments were voted to office on the pretense of bringing peace to the region, and if they cannot make good on their promises, “officials should leave the government,” asserted Khan.
“We also have our own weapons; if they (the government) cannot protect us from terrorists and extortionists, we will arm ourselves and protect our own lands,” argued Khan. He claimed traders pay hefty taxes, but authorities could not even provide them security.
Business owners demanded full compensation for victims of the terror attack on the historic bazaar and also for the reconstruction of their damaged shops.
“More than 50 shops have been gutted and some of them reduced to ashes. The provincial government should announce compensation for traders within one week. Otherwise, we will engage in civil disobedience,” threatened Khan.
He said law enforcement agencies had talked about installing closed circuit cameras (CCTV), but claimed surveillance alone will not guarantee peace. Instead, he demanded proper policing and law enforcement. “This can help in arresting militants.”
Earlier in the morning, announcements were made through loudspeakers of mosques asking traders to close their shops and suspend all business activities to participate in the shutter-down strike. They were threatened with ‘social boycott’ by the traders union if they failed to comply.
Announcements for a mandatory Fateha for the blast victims were also made and all shopkeepers were expected to participate.
Following this, traders duly complied and shops were shut down in Khyber Bazaar, Shuba Bazaar, Meena Bazaar, Kochi Bazaar, Pipal Mandi, Chowk-e-Yadgar and other markets.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2013.
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what are you reporting ET, except qissa khuwani bazar and adjacent Kabari Bazar, Jahangirpura, and Kuchi Bazar there was no shutter down in the city. even Misgaran bazaar, BaterBazan and Sarafa Bazar, Chwk Yadgar were open for business. further the traders union leaders who led the protest were the diehard activists and local office bearers of ANP, they cannot be partial in their comments. grow up. dude!
A bit late arnt we.
ET my friend, grow up!
Fake News.
Just saw on ARY News an interview with the Traders who said that CM KPK has visited the Traders today and confirmed them that compensation of 5 lakh will be given to the killed peoples families, compensation to injured. All shops which were damaged will be repaired free of charge. Thanks to media for only reporting one side of the story.