Power protests: Two injured in baton charge

DARGAI:

Two people were injured when the Malakand Levies baton-charged them during a protest against power outages in Dargai, Malakand on Wednesday.

Residents of three villages, Garhi Usmankhel, Haryankot, and Heroshah took to the streets, armed with sticks. Led by activists of various parties, including the PTI, the protesters marched towards the main tehsil bazaar, chanting slogans against the ruling party and Wapda staff.

The crowd then blocked main GT Road at Dargai, and demanded the Wapda Dargai circle chief engineer meet them to negotiate. A heavy contingent of the levies force reached the spot, led by Subedar Major Gul Roz.

Dargai Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Fayaz was also present.
Officials attempted to negotiate with the mob, but were unsuccessful.  Half the crowd proceeded towards Wapda House to meet officials but when they reached, there was no one there. The protesters moved to attack the building but were baton-charged. As a result, two people were injured.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2014.