05 March 2005	Saturday	23 Muharram 1426

LAHORE, March 4: Helmet dealers on the McLeod Road on Friday protested the arrests of their fellow shopkeepers. Police, along with officials of the City District Government Lahore, had arrested several shopkeepers on Thursday when they were found overcharging for helmets.

The dealers burnt tyres and blocked traffic on the road where they also scuffled with the police when the latter tried to disperse them. However, no one was hurt. Denying overcharging, the helmet dealers described the arrests as unjustified. They threatened to go on strike if their 'victimization' was not stopped forthwith.

Later, senior police officials rushed to the scene and assured the shopkeepers that they would not be treated unfairly. The traders dispersed on the assurance that their cases would be taken up on merit.

Meanwhile, six survey teams of the district government continued their campaign against overcharging of helmets, arrested 15 people from various parts of the city and registered 20 cases.