March, 31 2005	Thursday	20 Safar 1426

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FAISALABAD, March 30: Police foiled an attempt by Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) leaders and workers to take out a motorcycle procession from Chiniot Bazaar on Wednesday. MMA leaders and workers were intercepted by a police contingent, headed by the DPO and the SP (investigation), outside the Jamaat-i-Islami main offices in Chiniot Bazaar. The police tried to confine them to the JI offices, but a group of youngsters succeeded in reaching the Chiniot Bazaar Intersection.

MMA activists were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the government and in favour of the MMA strike call for April 2. The police arrested eight protesters and sent them to the Kotwali and Civil Lines police stations for violating Section 144 CrPC and creating the law and order situation.

Later, MMA’s district president Zafar Husain and city president Mahboobuz Zaman alleged that the police deliberately created the law and order problem and stopped them from staging a peaceful rally.

SECTION 144: The district Nazim has imposed Section 144 in the district for two days. The ban may be extended for another two days.

The step has been taken in the light of the home department instructions to foil the MMA strike call.

TRADERS DIVIDED: Traders have divided into two groups over the strike issue. A strong group of 12 organizations of shopkeepers belonging to various city areas, led by Nawaz Vohra, held a meeting on Wednesday and decided to observe a complete strike in the city and its adjoining areas.

The meeting was of the view that the prices of petroleum products were being enhanced while the tariffs of electricity and gas had reached beyond the reach of the common man. In the light of this scenario, the traders would observe a complete strike on April 2. However, no protest demonstration or a rally would be staged in the city. On the other hand, the All-Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran refused to take part in thestrike, adding that the traders had not been taken into confidence before the strike call.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the provincial hierarchy was held here at the Circuit House to review arrangements made by the district administration and police for the strike call. It was attended by Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat, Inspector General of Police Sadatullah Khan and Chief Secretary Kamran Rasool.

The meeting directed the Faisalabad DIG, district police officers of Jhang, Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh and the district Nazim to make efforts for the protection of lives and properties of the people.