MIRPURKHAS: A complete strike was observed in Patoyoon town and a demonstration was also staged in protest against excesses of local police and the law enforcers’ alleged patronisation of illegal sale of gutka and liquor on Wednesday.

Markets and bazaars remained closed the whole day in protest while hundreds of villagers blocked the main Patoyoon-Khaan road.

Talking to reporters, the enraged protesters alleged that the in-charge was patronising the sellers of liquor and gutka after receiving huge bribe, but police on raising objections detained innocent people and released them after getting bribe.

They said that their areas had become a police state. They urged the higher authorities to take immediate notice and replace the in-charge with an honest man.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2018