Insult to injury: Two injured as police baton charge quake survivors

Besham AC warned no more than 20 protesters allowed to gather at once

SHANGLA: Two earthquake survivors reportedly suffered injuries Monday morning when police baton charged a protest in Chakesar, Shangla. Close to 200 people gathered in front of the tehsil revenue office. They protested against officials for taking bribes and giving compensation to people pretending to be earthquake survivors.

Earlier, the Besham assistant commissioner had issued a warning that no more than 20 people could hold a protest. When the 200-strong mob gathered outside the office, the police resorted to baton charge.

Seventy-year-old Bakhtab told the police his house was destroyed on October 26 and his family was living in tents.



He added revenue officers arrived in the area to note down the names of affected families or individuals and then provide compensation according to the damage. Bakhtab alleged revenue officer Muhammad Ali stormed into his tent and asked the family to fork up Rs30,000 as a bribe to receive their due share. However, when Bakhtab refused to pay, the official left without adding his name to the list of affected people.

The resident said he and several others were demonstrating in front of the office when the police reacted with force. Bakhtab added he and his 82-year-old uncle were severely injured.

He urged the government to take stern action against the administration for such brutality with quake victims and demanded immediate compensation for their losses.

Later, SHO Aitebaar apologised to the protesters and vowed to resolve their issues.

Meanwhile, Besham AC Javed Iqbal said protesters gathered despite his instructions that no more than 20 people could gather for a demonstration.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th,  2015.