KARACHI: Some people reportedly tried to turn what started out as an angry protest against a lack of electricity after the rains into ethnic violence Sunday.
The power outage sparked a violent reaction from affected residents near Al-Asif Square Sohrab Goth but then there were reports that unidentified gunmen made abortive attempts to turn the protest into ethnic clashes.
“Residents of Bakhar Goth came to streets after the goth’s electric power supply remained suspended since Saturday afternoon,” said a witness who lives along Abul Hassan Isphahani Road.
The protesting residents blocked the Super Highway by burning tires and throwing stones at vehicles. Some armed persons went towards Rabia Petals where they started ransacking the shops and carts. Their aerial firing caused a stampede and scared the residents. Reports had it that some young armed men also fired in the air to compel other armed persons to retreat. Following the firing, the police dispersed the protestors and blocked the roads leading to Rabia Petals.
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C06%5C25%5Cstory_25-6-2007_pg7_20