GHALANAI: Local people demonstrated in front of the Mohmand Press Club and blocked the Peshawar-Bajaur road for an hour on Friday to protest a prolonged power breakdown in the area.

The protesters started their march from Jamia Masjid Ghalanai after offering Friday prayers, chanting slogans against the political administration and Tesco. Later, the protestors assembled in front of the press club. Power supply to Mohmand Agency has been suspended since Tuesday after a huge fire damaged grid station in Shabqadar.

Addressing the protesters, PTI local president Sajid Khan, JI leader Khana Dan Khan and others complained that four days had passed but the authorities had failed to restore electricity supply to the tribal agency that had resulted in acute water shortage.

They threatened that if the power supply was not restored they would extend protest to the entire agency. After getting assurance from the local officials, the protesters dispersed peacefully.

The worst hit areas are the agency headquarters Ghalanai, Chanda Bazaar, Main Mandi Bazaar, Ekkaghund Bazaar, Kuz Ghandahab, Babi Khel and adjoining areas.

Published in Dawn December 31st, 2016