KARACHI: Charged protesters on Sunday barged into the main entrance of a privately-owned Housing Scheme located on Superhighway and torched a number of vehicles, motorbikes, shops, car showroom, and other properties, prompting the police to fire tear gas shells to disperse protesters, eyewitness said.
As per details, thousands of protesters arrived in buses, wagons and private vehicles from different areas of the province including Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad and Tando Muhammad Khan etc. and gathered outside the gated Housing scheme on superhighway to attend sit in which was announced by residents of nearby villages, Sindh Indigenous Rights Alliance and Awami Worker Party to protest against what they call 'illegal occupation' by the management of private society.
Eyewitness said the angry mob set the main gate on fire, broke into shops, and also torched a number of vehicles, motorbikes, fast food centre, a car showroom etc. sending a wave of fear and anguish amongst the area residents.
Footages of the incident show angry protesters chanting slogans, while vehicles, and shops catching fire, as thick black smoke billowing above the area.
Heavy contingents of police and other law enforcing agencies rushed to the site to restore law and order. Meanwhile police claimed to have arrested a number of violent protesters.
Due to the protest, the movement of vehicles from Karachi to Hyderabad was completely stopped as tensions escalated.
Police said that road remained closed for traffic at Superhighway Dumba Goth on both sides and vehicles were diverted from Karachi towards Toll plaza U-turn to Model road National Highway and Hyderabad towards Toll Plaza to Kathore.
The residents of the society condemned the arson activities in their vicinity and demanded action not only against protesters but also against Sindh police for failing to protect public property. They also demanded inquiry to know origin of violence.
Meanwhile police said M-9 (Hyderabad-Karachi) Motorway has been cleared after successful negotiations. The protesters have terminated their strike and currently, M-9 is open for all types of traffic.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021