January 22, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 21, 1426

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KHAR, Jan 21: Security has been tightened in and around government buildings, offices of non-governmental organizations and shopping centres in the Bajaur Agency following violent protests against a US air-strike here.

The political administration has deployed an additional number of security personnel at these sites in an effort to prevent any untoward incident.

Last week protesters had ransacked the offices of NGOs near Khar and damaged public property. They had also torched a number of music and video shops and internet cafes.

In an attempt to disperse the protesters, security forces had fired tear-gas shells and shots into the air. Six people, including levies personnel, were wounded in clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.

The administration has also taken elaborate security measures ahead of the demonstration planned by the Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal and other political parties on Sunday.

The political authorities have cancelled the annual holidays of Bajaur Scouts and levies personnel to control the law and order.

Meanwhile, the Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal and other political parties have finalized arrangements for Sunday’s protest.

A spokesman for the MMA said that all bazaars and shopping centres would remain closed and a wheel-jam strike would be observed.