MINGORA, Oct 16: All markets and trade and commercial centres in Swat remained closed on Monday to protest against the US attacks on Afghanistan. People staged protest rallies and public meetings to express solidarity with the Taliban.

A big meeting was at the Suhrab Khan chowk, which was addressed by leaders of different political and religious parties.

The meeting adopted various resolutions wherein it was demanded of the government to withdraw its decision to offer airbases to foreign forces.

It was also demanded that all the cases so far registered against religious leaders in connection with anti-US protest demonstrations should be withdrawn, while policemen involved in shooting protesters should be brought to book.

The protestors marched through various bazaars and raised anti-US slogans. They were also carrying placards inscribed with anti-US slogans. Bazaars in the Shangla district, Dir lower and Dir upper also remained closed in protest.