SADIQABAD, Aug 2: A fertilizer dealer has won freedom two months after his abduction and after paying Rs one million ransom.

Riding a fertilizer-laden trolley, Nasir Ali of Ahmedpur Lamma town was on his way along with his brother Farid Ali and driver Bashir Ali when 10 gunmen blocked the passage.

After holding Nasir up at gunpoint, the accused deserted Farid and Bashir and drove away with the tractor-trolley.

Reports reaching here said that the accused released Nasir at a deserted place after getting Rs 1.05million, delivered to them by the brother and an uncle of the trader.

Protest: Residents and traders of Chachran Sharif went on a strike on Friday against 10-hour electricity supply suspension, chanting slogans against Wapda officials.

According to reports, hundreds of people, led by local Nazim Khwaja Kamran Fareed and councillor Khalid Murtaza, marched towards Wapda office at Zahir Pir and raised slogans against the officials. They also staged sit-in over there to express resentment over the authority officials’ apathy.

On receiving information, SHO and other Wapda officials left for Khanpur. A Wapda official, Khadim Husain, however assured the protesters that there would be no power breakdown in future.

They dispersed peacefully on this assurance. Meanwhile, two local colonies are still without electricity, Sui gas, sewerage facilities and streetlights.

Residents of these areas have demanded of the authorities concerned to provide them basic facilities.