TOBA TEK SINGH, Aug 9: Some shopkeepers and policemen sustained injuries during a demonstration on Tuesday against rise in crime in a nearby town. The shopkeepers resorted to protest against Nawan Lahore police for their failure to curb crime in their jurisdiction. They blocked the Jhang-Faisalabad Road by setting tyres to fire.

A police contingent was rushed to the site. Some of the protesters pelted stoned at them causing minor injuries to some policemen. In retaliation, police resorted to baton charge to disperse them as a result of which some shopkeepers suffered injuries.

Later, a DSP held talks with the shopkeepers and assured them that all thefts would be traced and thieves would be arrested. On his assurance, the demonstrators dispersed.

Meanwhile a press release issued by DPO office claimed that some miscreants had instigated the shopkeepers to demonstrate against police.

It said police asked the demonstrators to disperse but the miscreants attacked and injured ASIs Atta Muhammad and Waris Ali and some of the people.

The press release said theft cases have been registered and police were raiding various places to arrest the suspected thieves.