MARDAN, Sep 23: Residents of Muqam Mandy brought out a protest procession and blocked the main highway against what they called inflated bills, fines and permanent load shedding in the area. They also attacked and damaged sign boards at different points.

The procession, led by social leaders Jehanzeb Shah Khan, Fazal Azeem, Dr Usman, Ali Gohar and Akhtar Ali, raised slogans against Wapda officials. When the procession became unruly and violent, police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charge to disperse it.