MINGORA, Dec 14: All bazaars of Mingora city remained closed on Sunday in protest against the deteriorating law and order situation in Swat.

The strike call was given by a joint committee of all the traders federations against the increasing crimes in the district.

All the shopping centres and markets in the main bazaar, New Road, Green Chowk, Cheena Market, Haji Baba Chowk, People’s Chowk and Airport Road remained closed.

Swat Traders Federation President Haji Abdur Rahim, talking to newsmen, said the police had left the people at the mercy of dacoits.

Criticizing the police for forcing the traders to avoid strikes and protest demonstrations, he said the police had even failed to arrest the culprits involved in the murder, in the main bazaar, of a doctor, Abdul Wahab.

Leaders of Shaheen Traders Federation Ahmad Khan and Chacha Yousuf said in a statement the traders had been compelled to observe strike as the police had failed to check crimes in the area.

Anjuman Tajiran President Haji Rafiq Ahmad said the murder of Dr Abdul Wahab had sparked anger against the police. — Correspondent