SHANGLA: The major arteries and link roads in Shangla district remain blocked after the recent heavy snowfall, forcing the dwellers to start clearing snow from local roads on self-help basis.

Residents of upper parts of Shangla told mediapersons on Friday that Bisham-Swat road at Shangla Top, Machar, Alpuri-Puran road at Yakhtangay and Karora-Chakesar road at Kandaw were still closed owing to heavy snowfall.

Abid Yar, a resident of Mian Kallay Pagorai, said that after closure of road due to five feet snow in the recent spell they had urged the administration to clear it to traffic, but to no avail.

He said after Friday prayers the local people decided to clear snow from the road on self-help basis. He said that the road was likely to be opened to light traffic anytime on Saturday (today).

Mr Yar said that shortage of food items was reported from some villages due to continuous blockade of the lone link road to Pirabad union council of Alpuri tehsil.

Residents trying to open link roads on self-help basis

Janab Khan of Martung said that due to blockade of Puran road at Yakhtangay the routine life had been disrupted in the entire subdivision.

INDIAN PROPAGANDA REJECTED: The Sikh community here has rejected the Indian propaganda against Pakistan and said they are more secure than their brethren in India.

Speaking at a meeting, Tavindar Singh, elder brother of slain Parvender Singh, who was allegedly killed in Mardan and his body was thrown in Peshawar, said that since his brother’s killing the Indian media and government had started propaganda against Pakistan.

He said that they were living in Chakesar for last nine decades and had never even received any threat from anyone among the people here.

“We are living here like a family and Muslims give us due respect like their own people,” Mr Tavindar said. He said that everyone in the village here would call his younger brother Kakay out of love and respect. He was also liked for his sweet voice as he had sung several songs.

Deputy commissioner, Shangla, Imran Hussain Ranjha, Sikh community members and local elders were also present on the occasion.

The Sikh community thanked the local people, police and administration for their strong support in investigation of their brother’s murder and immediate arrest of accused.

The local Muslim notables urged the DC to arrange for repair of the Shamshangat and compensation to the victim’s family. The DC assured the family that he would find solution to both the demands.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2020