SWABI, Oct 21: People of Bamkhel and its suburbs on Saturday blocked the Swabi-Topi and Bamkhel Bypass roads against overcharging and refusal by transporters to pick them from the district headquarters and Topi adda.

They were led by Bamkhel Union Council Nazim Ahsanullah Khan. Their protests resulted in frequent clashes with the drivers and conductors of buses who also misbehaved commuters, including women.

In the morning the protesters made announcements on loudspeakers, asking people to reach the Lalu Dheri Commerce College stop for blocking the road. They erected blockades on the road and refused to allow any vehicle from Swabi, Topi, Murghuz and Bamkhel bypass sides. The road remained blocked from 8.30 am to 9.40 am.

Addressing the protesters the Bamkhel UC nazim said that they would continue to block the road till their demands were met.

He demanded that buses should pick commuters from Bamkhel and its suburbs, Topi and Swabi and stop overcharging from and misbehaving with them.

later the area police held talks with them and assured them that transporters would be directed not to overcharge from them or refuse to pick up them from Bamkhel and its suburbs, Topi and Swabi. On such assurance the protesters dispersed peacefully.