MIANWALI, May 24 Traders and educational institutions observed a complete shutter down strike on Monday throughout the district in protest at a controversial image competition deemed blasphemous by the Muslims, posted at social network site Facebook.

Hundreds of protesters, including seminary students, assembled at Railway Chowk in the morning carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against blasphemers and marched towards Ikram Niazi Shaheed Chowk blocking traffic for one hour.

Speakers urged the people to prepare for jihad against such hate acts.

Strike and processions were held in Piplan, Kalabagh, Isakhel, Daukhel, Wan Bhachran, Kundian, Qamar-Mushani and Mooch.