KASUR, Oct 16: Up to 200 powerloom unit owners shut their units in Kasur on Thursday and took out rallies demanding increase in the prices of cloth per yard. They blocked road outside the shrine of Hazrat Baba Bulley Shah. They also chanted slogans against the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) for 16 hours power outage a day.

Also, 700 powerloom workers took out two rallies demanding an increase in their wages.

Powerloom owners’ rally started from Bhasarpura and culminated before the shrine of Baba Bulley Shah where they staged a sit-in. Talking to reporters, they demanded that the buyers of their products enhance labour rates per yard to fulfill the demand of labours and pay extra amounts for increased electricity bills. They also protested against loadshedding. They said workers had pressured them for an increase in their wages. Later, another rally of powerloom workers also joined them near the shrine.

Earlier, 500 powerloom workers gathered outside the labour office on Raiwind Road and chanted slogans against powerloom owners for exploiting them. The protestors, led by Muhammad Khalid, blocked the road at Khan Mehal Cinema. Another 150 workers gathered at the bus stand, blocked the road and burnt tyres. They chanted slogans against Wapda and powerloom owners. Later, the two workers groups merged and met DCO Abdul Jabar Shaheen, who ensured workers that their problems would be resolved till Monday. The workers decided to continue their strike till Monday.

AERIAL FIRE: Two boys were killed in jubilation fire at Tibi Dial Singh, in the precincts of Changa Manga police. A wedding procession when reached the village, some unidentified guests resorted to aerial firing. Aas Muhammad, 14, and Bilal Ahmed, eight, received bullets injuries. They were rushed to hospital where they died. Police are investigating.

TORSO FOUND: Chunian police found the torso of a woman packed in a box on Bahrwal Road.