PESHAWAR, Feb 15: NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has said that ‘the Wednesday rioting in Peshawar’ is a conspiracy against the province, saying that a handful of the miscreants are behind the violent agitation.

“People have the right to stage peaceful demonstrations, take out processions, but nobody will be allowed to take the law in their hands,” said Mr Durrani while speaking at an emergency press conference at the Chief Minister’s House on Wednesday.

“The government condemn publication of cartoons and respect the sentiments of the protesting masses, but it will safeguard public and private property,” he said.

He said that all the educational institutions had been closed for one week and ordered police to use force to curb lawlessness and ensure protection of property.

“We don’t have need to impose Section 144 or call out army and paramilitary troops. The police force are sufficient to control the city situation,” he said.

The government was expressing restraints and would not curtail fundamental and political rights of the people. He also condemned riots in Lahore and other parts of the country.

Mr Durrani did not blame any political party for the unrest, but said that only a few elements were instigating people to damage peaceful environment of the province.