At least 27 representatives of All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) were arrested when they along with several others tried to enter the red zone within the limits of Artillery Maidan police station, here on Saturday.
The representatives of APCNGA, who staged protest demonstration against the expected hike in CNG price and imposition of more tax on CNG at YMCA ground, had attempted to enter the red zone for acceptance of their demands.
However, the protesters faced stiff resistance from the law enforcers when they tried to enter the red zone. The policemen indiscriminately charged batons and used water cannon to foil their attempt.
Meanwhile, ASP Usman Khwaja, Civil Lines, claimed that the protesters, despite several warnings, tried to enter the red zone which left them with no other option but to use tear gas and water cannon. They said that some 27 protesters were taken into custody over the violation of red zone restriction. A case could not be registered till filing of this report.
When contacted, Abdul Sami Khan, Pakistan CNG Dealers’ Association President said the police had arrested some 25 persons.
He said the chairman APCNGA and others representatives of the association, including Junaid Makda, zonal chairman, etc provoked the CNG owners to stage series of demonstrations across the country against the expected hike in CNG price and imposition of more cess on CNG. But when they faced strong resistance from the law enforcers, all of them ran away and left their supporters on the mercy of policemen.
Malik Khuda Bux, President, CNG Owners Association (CNGOA) said the protesters mistakenly violated the red zone area, adding that the police after negotiation released all detained persons without legal procedures.
Daily Times – Leading News Resource of Pakistan – 27 APCNGA activists arrested during protest.