MARDAN, Oct 24: Shopkeepers in the Saddar bazaar here observed a strike against a decision of the commandant of the Punjab Regiment Centre (PRC), Mardan, barring local people from using the PRC road.

The road is used by the people of the city, Baghdada, Gujjar Garhi, Farm Kuroona, Sikandarey and Muqam Mandi. People from Swabi, Katlang, Rustam, Par Hoti and other areas also use the road to approach the main city.

The union of the Saddar Bazaar shopkeepers gave the strike call and the traders pulled down the shutter of their business centres against the PRC commandant’s decision, saying that the closure of the road would harm their businesses and also create problems for the people.

Baghdada Union Council Nazim Humayun Khilji and Saddar Bazar Union president Anwar Khan led the protest rally and blocked the main Saddar-Baghdada road for a few hours.

Residents of the city have also criticized the closure of the only park in the city by the commandant of Punjab Regiment Centre for the public.