MINGORA, Sept 23: Six people were killed and 15 others injured on Tuesday when law-enforcement personnel opened fire on a violent mob protesting against suspension of power, gas and water supply in Swat.

A curfew for an indefinite period was imposed in the entire district.

Thousands of people took part in demonstrations in Mingora and Fizaghut against what they called the government’s failure to protect their lives and property.

The protesters burnt tyres and blocked the main road at various points. They also set on fire a number of banks in the Mingora bazaar.

They raised slogans against target killings, shelling of civilian areas, and presence of ‘unwanted’ elements in the region. They called for an end to the military operation.

Meanwhile, suspected militants blew up a gas supply plant in Balogram early on Tuesday morning.

People here have already been without electricity for two days after militants blew up the Aman Kot grid station.

“How can anyone survive without electricity, gas, water and food,” one of the protesters, who identified himself as Sarfaraz, told Dawn. “Where is the government and where is its writ?” he asked

“Why should one pay taxes to a government which has no authority; the militants rule the region … the government has no say,” he said.

Criticising the suspension of amenities and imposition of curfew, another protester said: “My children and parents are fasting and there is no food or water.”

The protesters also ransacked a number of offices and buildings in Mingora.

The people of Alahabad, Dakorak, Charbagh and nearby villages also organised protests against the killing of five members of a family when their house was hit by shell on Monday.

Police fired in the air and the protesters at the Fizaghat checkpost dispersed after they were assured by the authorities that their problems would be solved.

In Charbagh, militants attacked a checkpost, injuring one soldier. The militants escaped when security forces returned fire. However, an ISPR press release said there was no casualty.

Militants also fired rockets on Gunbad Mera, Khwajaabad and Gul Kadda areas of Mingora, killing a man and a woman.