BUNER, June 3: A complete shutdown was observed in the Swari bazaar here on Tuesday on the call of traders union in protest against the unbridled price hike, unscheduled and continuous loadshedding and dilapidated condition of roads.

The protestors chanting anti-government slogans demanded end to price hike, power outages and reconstruction of dilapidated roads which had completely ruined the business activities in the area.

They urged the authorities to meet their demands forthwith otherwise the traders’ body in its meeting on Sunday would devise its future line of action to launch an effective campaign for acceptance of their demands.

The protesters passing through various roads gathered at Swari Chowk, where they were addressed among others by MPA Qaiser Wali Khan, and trade union chairman Basher Ahmed Khan.

The protestors also blocked the main roads leading to Mardan and Swat districts for several hours. The speakers expressed deep concern over delay of eight years in starting work on the roads despite opening tenders two years back. They said that all the concerned quarters were approached to come to their rescue but to no avail, adding the traders’ community was left with no option but to come on the roads.

They said, the people in general and businessmen in particular are reeling under the low voltage while the authorities remain silent spectators.

The protestors appealed to all segments of society to come forward and join their struggle for their just demands.

The MPA said that Swari being a hub of trade activities was in dire need of smooth provision of electricity and construction of the roads. The demonstrators were later on dispersed peacefully.

HUNGER STRIKE: The district chapter of the All Pakistan Clerks Association (Apca) went on a five-day-long hunger strike by setting a camp at the district headquarters here on Tuesday to press the government for acceptance of their demands of 300 percent raise in their salary and provision of other facilities in the upcoming budget.