Bani Gala returns to normality

Islamabad

The local shopkeepers and traders in Bani Gala are now able to start their routine business after days of clashes between the policemen and protesters that caused unrest for the residents of the area.

"The policemen were not allowing even the local residents to move in and out of the Bani Gala due to which the daily wagers faced financial losses. The smell of tear-gas and baton-charge forced the residents to stay indoors and avoid visiting local markets," said Saman Bokhari, a resident of Bani Gala.

She said the children were the worst victims because they kept asking when the situation would get better and they were not able to answer their questions, adding "The vendors who bring fresh vegetables and fruit were also not allowed by the policemen to enter the area." 

Rashid Mehmood, another resident, said a large number of people got affected due to shelling of the tear-gas but they were not allowed to leave the area for medical treatment.

"We have faced worst kind of days and hope these would not return back in our lives. Elderly people, women, children and every one suffered a lot and all of them were helpless against the deteriorating situation," he said.  Mushtaq Ahmad, a shopkeeper, said when he opened his shop during clashes between the policemen and protesters he soon realised that it would be difficult to bear the smell of tear-gas that was being used against the protesters time and again.