MIRPURKHAS, June 5. The non-availability of wheat flour at Utility Stores was now forcing people including women to come on roads in protest against the official failure to make available the commodity. Enraged people held such demonstrations at the Ring Road near Hameedpura Colony and Satellite Town on Thursday.

People protesting on the Ring Road near Hameedpura Colony blocked the road, burnt tyres, and raised slogans against the officials of Utility Store. They told journalists that there was no fixed timing of the opening of Utility Stores, and when open flour, sugar and rice were not available there.

The town SHO reached the spot and assured that flour would be made available by the evening at the Utility Store on which protesters dispersed.

Anther group staged a demonstration near Ground No 2 in Satellite Town on same complaint.

STRIKE CALLED OFF: The chakki owners of the city called off their strike on Thursday after negotiations between the office-bearers of Chakki Owners Association and the district administration. They were protesting against raids and imposition of fine by the administration.

The DCO held a meeting with chakki owners and persuaded them to open chakkis.