KARACHI: The ongoing operation against heavily armed gangsters in Karachi’s Lyari area entered its fourth day on Monday, DawnNews reported.

At least 20 people were killed during the past three days of the operation.

The area was tense and protests against the operation were taking place in different parts of the city.

Protestors took out processions in various areas of Karachi including Native Jetty Bridge and Jinnah Bridge, against the operation and demanded that the area be handed over to the army.

Protestors demonstrated in the city’s Pak Colony area claiming that the area’s residents were being targeted “under the cover of an operation against criminal elements”.

During the protests, unknown gunmen boarded a public bus and attempted to loot the passengers.  The looters opened fire upon facing resistance as a result of which two people were killed and three others, including a policeman, were injured. The gunmen set two buses on fire while escaping from the scene.

The protestors also complained about the lack of arrangements by authorities for the ongoing operation. Residents have been facing an electricity black out since Friday which in turn adds to the problem of water shortage adding to the misery of the residents who have been living in a virtual warzone.

Apart from water and electricity there is a shortage of food and other essential amenities in the area which is forcing the residents to flee.

Earlier on Sunday, at least four persons, including a policeman, were killed in pitched battles between law-enforcement personnel and heavily armed gangsters.

Sunday’s violence also left several persons, including two DSPs and as many mediapersons, wounded.

Moreover, Sunday also saw protestors taking out rallies in Jehangir Road, Kalapul, Mawach Goth and Baloch Colony areas, burning tyres and raising anti-government slogans.