FAISALABAD: Angered by gas suspension, protesters blocking Sheikhupura road thrashed a policeman and snatched his official weapon on Monday.

Carrying utensils, women residents of Nishatabad along with their children turned up on Sheikhupura road and chanted slogans against the government for not providing them gas.

During the protest, an armed constable was stopped by agitators who pulled out his pistol. The mob snatched his pistol and gave the policeman a sound thrashing.

The protesters kept the road blocked for traffic for more than an hour. Some of them told the media that because of gas shortage they were forced to buy cooked food from the market that was adding to their financial burden.

They said they had brought the issue into the notice of parliamentarians from the area a number of times but in vain.

The agitators dispersed after the district administration officials assured them that smooth supply of gas would be ensured to the area.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2014