SUKKUR: A shutterdown strike in several cities and towns of Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze districts entered sixth day on Tuesday as the Gambat police failed to apprehend a gang of thieves that took away merchandise worth millions of rupees from a wholesale shop of mobile phones and accessories in the city during night hours.

The strike call was given by an association of mobile phone traders and enforced by mobile markets’ unions in their respective cities and towns.

According to Sarfraz Memon, whose shop at Bhitai Chowk in Gambat was burgled, the armed thieves overpowered the watchman on duty before breaking into the shop and ransacking shelves, lockers and showcases to collect mobile phones and accessories kept inside. He claimed that the thieves took away mobile phones worth around Rs10 million and a cash amount of more than Rs7 million.

He also claimed that the matter was reported to the Gambat police who obtained the CCTV footages, clearly showing faces and activity of the thieves.

He regretted that the police did not move to arrest the culprits.

The shutterdown strike was continuing for the last six days but, according to the association, no progress was seen in the case. It vowed to continue the shutterdown till the arrest of the culprits and recovery of the booty.

Meanwhile, protesting traders and shopkeepers took out rallies and held demonstrations at different places in Khairpur, Gambat, Ranipur, Mehrabpur and several other cities and towns of Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze districts on Tuesday.

Activists of different civil society organisations also joined in the street protests.

Angry protesters were waving placards inscribed with slogans against the Gambat police, as well as demands for the arrest of the culprits.

Leaders of various market unions, speaking to the protesters, condemned police for their failure to control crime and provide security to the life and property of citizens.

They urged the provincial government and Sindh police chief to take notice of the deteriorating law and order situation and ensure arrest of criminals.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2024