LAHORE, Feb 22: District Nazim Mian Amer said claims of destruction of 82 motorcycles had been verified so far and the owners would be provided new two-wheelers by Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi during the next few days.

Talking to newsmen here on Wednesday, he said assessment of damage to property during the recent strike against the blasphemous cartoons was under way for payment of compensation to the affected people.

He said no demonstration or procession would be allowed on the Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam as such activities had been banned there on the demand of traders, and the government would ensure the enforcement of ban. The Minar-i-Pakistan had been declared the venue for holding public meetings, he said.

He said the government was participating in the protest against the blasphemous cartoons but ensuring smooth running of business was also its responsibility.

Muslims around the world were demonstrating against the publication of blasphemous cartoons, but damage to private and public property could not be allowed under the garb of protest, he reiterated.

He said a probe into riots during the recent strike was also continuing and video films were being used to identify the culprits.