HYDERABAD, Aug 28: Parts of the city witnessed abrupt closure of shops and stampede-like-situation on Wednesday evening following the arrest of two PPP activists earlier in evening from the Civil Hospital by Market police for possessing an unlicensed weapon.

The enraged party workers surrounded the Market police station and blocked the road in front of the Central Prison, causing suspension of traffic up to Hyderabad by-pass and the National Highway.

Some activists smashed street lights and resorted to aerial firing in Hirabad which caused stampede-like-situation on adjoining roads and streets. Shopkeepers pulled down their shutters on fears of violence.

Market police picked up Mujeebur Rehman alias Kami, District Vice- President, Sindh People’s Youth Organisation, and Mohammad Hazrat Pathan of the People’s Students Federation. They were taken to Market police station.

PPP workers led by a local leader Amanullah Siyal surrounded the police station and demanded their release on the plea that the weapon was licensed. ASP Afnaan said the detainees would be released on production of license.

Negotiations between police and local party leadership secured the release of Kami and lifting of blockade.

Since license could not be produced, police booked Hazrat Pathan under Arms Ordinance. He was remanded to judicial custody on Thursday.

Mr Siyal disputed police claim and said that both activists were trapped by police in the hospital. He said weapon was handed over to them by some people in the hospital who later on disappeared with an excuse.