Cop, 7 protesters wounded in Hangu clash

HANGU: A cop and seven protesters sustained bullet injuries as the police and protesters clashed on Wednesday.It was learnt that the residents of seven villages, including Anar Cheena, Khattak Banda, Kat Ghar, had gathered in Khattak Banda to demand provision of gas to their areas. They claimed they had the first right to supply of gas from deposits found in their area.

The protesters blocked a road leading to a gas well by putting rocks and other barriers on it. The protest turned violent after the police baton-charged the protesters and resorted to aerial firing. The enraged protesters exchanged fire with the police in which a cop and seven protesters sustained injuries.

The injured protesters included the district councillor Farmanullah. All the injured were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Hangu town. The police lodged cases against several protesters and began conducting raids to arrest them. The police was yet to confirm any arrests.