Shahzad Naveed
MINGORA: The district administration has released the president of the Malakand Division Traders Federation, Abdul Rahim, City Mayor Shahid Ali Khan, spokesperson Dr. Khalid Mahmood Khalid, and several others who were arrested during an anti-encroachment operation in Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier, a clash erupted during an anti-encroachment drive in Swat on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including the city mayor and local political leaders.
During the operation in the Sangota area, police took City Mayor Shahid Ali, Khalid Mahmood, and Bazaar President Abdul Rahim into custody for resisting the authorities. The administration resumed the anti-encroachment operation after initial negotiations; however, residents opposed the efforts and began throwing stones at the police.
In response, the police fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd, prompting the protesters to block the main highway. This blockage resulted in suspended traffic and long queues of vehicles.
To clear the highway, police charged at the protesters with batons and deployed tear gas shells, leading to serious injuries among women and children in vehicles.
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Protesters have alleged that the police action was directed by the Assistant Commissioner and the City DSP. Several protesters have been arrested, and authorities are conducting raids to apprehend additional individuals involved.
