August 05, 2008	Tuesday	Sha'aban 2, 1429

BAHAWALPUR, Aug 4: Scores of people on Monday held demonstrations, blocked roads and burnt tyres against power breakdown for three days in their respective areas.

Residents of Jaffery Town on Monday staged a demonstration outside the press club, from where they marched on roads and reached the Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) complex.

Carrying placards, the protesters raised slogans against Mepco officials and demanded restoration of electricity.

Later, executive engineer (operation) Muhammad Iqbal Joyia, under police protection, addressed the protesters and assured them restoration of electricity after which they dispersed. Earlier, another demonstration was staged on Sunday night outside Farid Gate.

People from Taliwala, Qureshi Colony, Mubarakpur and Nawaban locality gathered outside Farid Gate. They burnt tyres, blocked the road and raised slogans against Mepco officials. They were complaining of power suspension for the last four days.

A Mepco official said rain had badly affected the company network and efforts were being made to keep it in order. They expressed the hope that the faults would be rectified in due course of time.