BAJAUR: Authorities sealed 22 shops and arrested several traders in different bazaars here on Tuesday for violating the ongoing lockdown.

According to a statement issued by the DC office, the district administration sealed 22 shops and detained several traders for violation of the lockdown imposed from May 8 to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the district.

It said the visiting officials found the lockdown situation mostly satisfactory in several bazaars of the region as the most of the business outlets remained closed since the first day of lockdown.

The statement said that the detained vendors had been shifted to prison as per the provincial government’s policy. It said the administration had exempted medical stores, vegetable and fruit outlets, bakeries and milk shops from the lockdown.

Meanwhile, business community across the district criticised the administration for sealing shops and arresting traders over alleged violation of lockdown.

Talking to mediapersons, they termed the action unjustified on the eve of Eid. They claimed the officials did not give proper receipts to the traders after receiving heavy fines. They said they would raise the issue with the deputy commissioner.

RICE DISTRIBUTION: The distribution of rice bags among the needy people here has been started under the Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre in four areas of Bajaur tribal district, according to a statement issued by the DC office.

It said the district administration had established distribution points in Khar, Raggan, Nawagai and Mamond regions.

The statement said that the administration had nominated over 2,000 needy people, including widows and orphans, for receiving the package.

KILLED: Two persons were killed and three others injured over a domestic issue in Malakana village of Damadola area here on Tuesday. Police said that they had launched investigation into the incident.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2021