MARDAN: The traders of the Judge Bazaar here on Monday took to the streets against registration of FIR against five colleagues and arrest of one over violation of coronavirus-induced SOPs.

On the complaint of additional assistant commissioner, Mardan, Saharsh Nigar, the Hoti police station officials registered FIRs against five shopkeepers, and arrested one of them, a bean seller, following his scuffle with the official.

The traders blocked road in protest against the incident and chanted slogans against the official. They termed action against shopkeepers unjust and illegal, and demanded release of the arrested shopkeeper.

Later, a delegation of traders led by Judge Bazaar president Shah Jahan Yousafzai met deputy commissioner Mohammad Abid Khan Wazir, who assured them that their legal demands would be met.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2021