NOWSHERA, Nov 11: Afghan refugees on Tuesday blocked the Nowshera-Mardan road for several hours in protest against detention of what they called innocent Afghans in a crackdown in Nowshera and Pabbi.

They called upon the authorities to halt the operation against Afghan refugees residing in the Frontier province. They also demanded release of the arrested refugees, including ulema, saying a legal and honourable way should be adopted for their repatriation.

Chanting slogans against local authorities, they demanded to stop what they called the vilification campaign against Afghan ulema in the area.

They said they had been living in different areas of the province for decades where they had properties and businesses, which would take some time to wind up. They called upon the authorities to give them some time. — Correspondent