Daily Times

KARACHI: Orangi Town turned into a battle ground on Sunday when hundreds of residents clashed with the police while protesting over growing incidents of street crimes and robberies in the area.

Nearly half a dozen protesters were wounded during the clash with the police as the latter fired tear gas shells and opened indiscriminate fire into air to disperse protesters. The residents of the Orangi Town gathered at Islam Chowk in Iqbal Market area of Orangi Town on Sunday afternoon to stage a protest. The protesters also shouted slogans against the police as well. “They (police) are also involved. They are supporting the criminals to earn the money from the looted booty and valuables,” Kashif Naeem, one of the protesters alleged.

The situation became violent when the police attempted to disperse the protesters. “We were not even able to stage a protest as before we could start a proper protest, the police started firing tear gas shells on us and charging us with the batons,” said a protester Izharul Islam.

“Are we the terrorists? What was our fault? The criminals are looting us even we are not inside our homes. And the police instead of taking actions against criminals take actions against us.”

Intense gunshots fired by the police can be heard. The protesters also attacked the police by throwing stones on them, injuring also nearly a half a dozen cops. Few police mobile vans were also damaged by the protesters.

More contingent of the police was also called in at the site to disperse the protesters as hide and seek between police and protesters continued for hours.

Armored personnel carriers (APCs) were also called in to take action against the protesters. The police also arrested nearly a dozen suspects for attacking them and disrupting a law and order.

Police officials on the other hand said that the protesters took the law into their hands. They said that they took action against protestors after they beaten four cops accusing them of being involved in street crimes.

“They (protesters) did not approach the police about any issue with them before holding a protest,” said district west police chief SSP Nasir Aftab. “Instead of visiting police station to lodge their complaints, they started attacking police in the name of protest.” The situation remained tense in the area as the clash between police and protesters continued till the filing of this news story.