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LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), Jan 4: Peshawar-Torkhum road, leading to Afghanistan, was blocked at two sites on Wednesday by protesting transporters Authorities had to call out paramilitary forces after an armed clash between transporters belonging to the Zakhakhel tribe and the Khasadar force in Takia in the Sultankhel area.
The clash erupted after the transporters blocked the Peshawar-Torkhum road to put pressure on the authorities to accept their demands.
They were demanding an equal share in number system at the Torkhum flying coach terminal. The terminal is the property of Khugakhel branch of the Shinwari tribe.
The protesting drivers took positions near Takia when Landi Kotal Assistant Political Agent ordered his Khasadar force to forcibly open the road.
An exchange of fire took place when the protesting drivers refused to left the blockade. However, nobody was injured.
The authorities have to seek the help of the Khyber Rifles, a wing of the Frontier Constabulary, when the situation went out of control.
While the Khyber Rifles jawans started patrolling the road, traffic remained suspended on it. On Tuesday also, the Landi Kotal administration used force to open the road when the Khugakhel transporters blocked it for several hours after their rival group forcibly disembarked passengers from their flying coaches.
OIL TANKERS: Meanwhile, traffic on another section of Peshawar-Torkhum road remained suspended for nearly three hours on Wednesday after protesting oil tanker drivers blocked the road to pressurize the authorities to accept their demands.
The protesting transporters and family members of those who had been killed and injured in an oil tanker explosion in Peshawar few days ago placed boulders and burnt tyres on the road.
They were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the Peshawar police for its failure to provide protection to their colleagues.
The protesting drivers threatened to disrupt oil supply to Afghanistan and block the road again if those responsible for the explosion were not arrested forthwith.
They also demanded suspension of the concerned police officials for failing to apprehend those involved in the explosion.
Unidentified saboteurs had put an explosive device in an oil tanker, which had exploded and killed four drivers and injured five others.
