Worsening law and order triggers protest in Shangla

ALPURI: The residents of Shangla on Friday staged a protest rally against the increasing incidents of terrorism and deteriorating law and order in the district.

The protest rally was held under the banner of the Shangla Action Committee to condemn the growing incidents of terrorism and press the government to take tough measures to provide security to the people.

carrying placards and banners, the protesters chanted slogans demanding the restoration of peace.Leaders from various political parties, student unions, trader associations, transport unions, local elders, and the people participated in the protest.

They expressed concern over the worsening law and order in Shangla.Addressing the gathering, speakers condemned recent terrorist incidents, including attacks on police personnel. They stated that Shangla had always been a peaceful region, and the recent wave of terrorism was a matter of concern for the local people.

“We cannot afford to carry the coffins of our loved ones any longer,” said a protester, adding that the people of Shangla would not allow any force to disrupt the peace in the district.Some criticized law-enforcement agencies for failing to restore peace in the area.

They also called for an investigation into the recent attack on the Gungar police post, noting that its relocation to a new site might have contributed to its vulnerability.“Who are these terrorists? Where did they come from? DNA tests should be conducted on the blood samples collected from the scene,” another protester demanded.

Over the past few months, attacks on police have increased, but effective countermeasures remain absent, causing frustration among the local population and political parties alike. The protestors vowed to stand by the police and to fight terrorism together. “We are not against anyone, but we will make any sacrifice needed to restore peace in Shangla,” they declared.

Several prominent leaders, including Shangla Action Committee Chairman Waqif Shah Advocate, Awami National Party leader Mutawakil Khan Advocate, Qaumi Watan Party leader Shah Saud Advocate, PTI Tehsil Chairman Basham Sadeedur Rehman, Tehsil Chairman Alpuri Waqar Ahmad Khan, JUI leader Imad Ahmed Khan and others addressed the gathering.On the action committee’s call, the markets remained shut in protest.

The participants demanded the immediate restoration of peace in Shangla, declaring that the people were united and ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the police to combat terrorism.

On Friday, prayers were offered in various mosques for the martyred police officers, Assistant Sub-Inspector Muhammad Hassan Khan and Head Constable Nisar Khan, who lost their lives in the Gungar police post attack. Special prayers were also made for the swift recovery of the injured.