KHAR: The authorities on Friday arrested several traders in Sadiqabad area of Bajaur Agency for protesting against the administration for its alleged backing of construction of ‘illegal shops’ in the local bazaar.

Traders told Dawn that scores of shopkeepers led by representatives of Sadiqabad traders association gathered in front of an under-construction market to stage a protest against some officials of the local administration for supporting the land mafia to construct ‘illegal markets’ in the area. However, Levies personnel arrested the protesting traders.

Eyewitness said Levies personnel also beat up the protesters with sticks.

Later, the arrested protesters were shifted to the Khar prison.

The local administration confirmed the incident. An official told Dawn that the traders were arrested after they tried to take the law into their hands.

He said protest over construction of new shops was illegal as the site on which the shops were being built was suitable for such a purpose.

According to him, senior leaders of Sadiqabad traders association, including its president Haji Fazal Rahman, were among the arrested persons.

He said the arrested traders would be freed soon.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2017