TAXILA, May 2: Angry protesters including traders blocked traffic for more than one hour on GT Road near Nawabad in Wah Cantonment against growing incidents of dacoities in the area. The call to hold the protest was given by the Wah traders union after robbers struck at five places on Monday night and took away cash, gold ornaments and mobile phones worth Rs0.1 million.

The protesters came out on the road, burnt tyres and suspended traffic. Passengers on the inter-province routes remained stranded in the hot weather during the period.

SP Saddar Capt (retd) Inyatullah Farooqi rushed to the spot from Rawalpindi and heavy contingents of the local police also reached there. After negotiations with the protesters, the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Another protest rally organized by Shabab-i-Milli was taken out in Lala Rukh, Wah Cantt, where three robberies took place.

The protesters were carrying banners and placards inscribed with anti-administration slogans.

They also blocked the main road for some time and after assurance from the police that the culprits would be arrested within 48 hours, they also dispersed peacefully.

Moreover, a complete shutter down strike in almost all markets of Wah Cantt was observed to protest the growing robbery incidents in the area.