ISLAMABAD: Clouds and cool winds made the weather pleasant in the federal capital on Tuesday and the protesters were seen energising themselves by basking in the soft sun.

While the workers of the PTI and PAT were seen drying clothes and cleaning themselves, the conditions were different for the law enforcement agencies who had to find dry spots among the wet grass.

The security personnel belonging to the Frontier Constabulary (FC), Islamabad and the Punjab police looked demoralised and depressed not only in the wake of the deteriorating conditions around them but also because the police have been conceding grounds to the protesters.

“There is more confusion here than anywhere else I have served,” said an FC constable from Waziristan, who is now posted at the Margalla Road.

Marchers say they are preparing for possible showdown with law enforcement agencies

The police and the FC personnel also seemed demoralised after the protesters beat them during the clashes on Saturday night.

“My cousin and fellow constable is admitted to hospital,” said an FC personnel, who too had a bandage in his forearm.

His unit was attacked by the protesters in front of the PTV building on Monday as they were settling down soon after resuming the day shift at 8am.

Similarly, some personnel of the Punjab police said they were discouraged and dejected because of their superiors.

“The worst thing is that even the interior minister has stated in the parliament that the hands of the police are tied otherwise it is not possible for anyone to attack them,” said a head constable from Attock.

He and some other Punjab police personnel posted at a checkpoint near the Parade Ground decried the directionless movement of their seniors.

“He (interior minister) is the authority and proudly claims that the police are like a ‘lame duck’, so why not send us back,” the constable said, adding: “There is mud and wet grass all around and we cannot even sit at a respectable place.”

The mental conditions of the Islamabad police was no different as their newly-appointed field commander, SSP (operation) Asmatullah Junejo, was still admitted to Pims after being thrashed by the protesters.

On the other hand, the protesters, both males and females, were enjoying the weather and proudly preparing for the next round of a showdown with the law enforcement agencies.

“There is a rumour that an operation will be launched tonight as the new IGP Islamabad has taken charge,” said Umair, a PAT worker who has come from Sargodha. “My sister is in the rescue team and I am in the security team, we both are on the front line duty.”

Umair had a fresh bandage on his forehead but was looking fresh and well fed.

Apart from washing clothes, a large number of male protesters were taking bath at a water supply manhole at the greenbelt near the Cabinet Secretariat. Some of the marchers were even seen massaging the shoulders of their injured comrades.

“I had a hit Saturday night, now it has almost recovered,” said Farooq, a PTI worker from Swabi. “I am ready to fight again if there is any police action.”

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2014