Lyari residents block road after not getting rations

As the government failed to devise a proper mechanism for the distribution of rations to the daily wagers and other needy people even after the passage of 11 days since the imposition of the lockdown, residents of Lyari resorted to protests on Thursday, blocking Mauripur Road for hours that resulted in severe traffic jams on the road, West Wharf and Native Jetty Bridge.

Scores of residents from different localities of Lyari, including Agra Taj Colony, Macchar Colony, Memon Society and Hangurabad participated in the protest against the unavailability of food items.

The protesters blocked Mauripur Road and shouted slogans against the provincial government, halting the movement of heavy vehicles carrying goods. They complained that the federal and provincial governments had made false promises about ensuring the availability of food items for the people.

“We don’t have rations to feed our children. Who will be responsible if they die?” questioned one of the protesters. “When they (the authorities) call us for rations, they charge us with batons.” Following the protest, a heavy contingent of law enforcers reached the scene, calmed the protesters down and persuaded them to disperse.