Protesters block GT Road against killing of youth in Nowshera

NOWSHERA: Hundreds of enraged protesters staged a sit-in and blocked the Grand Trunk Road for vehicular traffic to protest the killing of a youth and injuring another one at Taru Jabba Chowk here on Tuesday.

Hundreds of residents from Taru Jabba, Akbarpura and adjoining areas gathered and staged a rally after announcements were made on loudspeakers in mosques to protest the killing of young medical technician Haroon Khan and injuring Kalimullah near the Government Degree College, Akbarpura.The tragic incident had occurred some six days ago but the police had not yet arrested the accused, prompting the local people to come onto the roads in protest.

Provincial president of Awami National Party Mian Iftikhar Hussain also reached the spot and addressed the protest sit-in.He expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and demanded immediate arrest of the accused.

Later, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Pabbi, Jawad Khan held talks with the leaders of protesters, which yielded positive results.The residents ended the protest after all their demands were accepted.

Hundreds of vehicles going to Peshawar, Nowshera and Punjab got stuck due to the blockade of GT Road for over two hours.Meanwhile, District Police Officer Azhar Khan removed Akbarpura police station house officer Faheem Bacha and closed him to the Police Lines for negligence.

Injured Kalimullah had told the police that three accused Hasan Khan, Hussain Khan and Muhammad Anas had shot dead Haroon Khan and injured him.He said that they had given Rs9 million for securing government jobs but the accused failed to provide them employment.

He said that they were not returning the money. When they demanded the money, he said the accused called them to their hujra in the Jhagra area in Peshawar and kept them there till late night. He added the accused later told them that the money could not be arranged so they should go home.He said when they reached the Government Degree College, Akbarpura, the accused opened fire on them, killing Haroon and leaving him injured.