PM Nawaz takes notice of IDPs, police clash

By
AFP
|
PM Nawaz takes notice of IDPs, police clash
LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday took notice of the clash between Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and police which took place in Bannu. The prime minister has called for a report of the incident.

A statement issued by the prime minister said IDPs had sacrificed and left their homes for the defence of Pakistan. He directed the administration to eliminate their grievances and treat them with leniency.

At least two IDPs from North Waziristan were killed in clashes with police during a food distribution drive after a stampeded broke out at the Bannu Sports Complex. Police opened aerial firing to disperse the crowd.

The IDPs threw stones at the police and started looting the ration centre. Police baton charged and used tear gas against the IDPs in an effort to bring the situation under control. The Bannu-Kohat road was blocked by the IDPs in protest.

Two IDPs lost their lives while 11 others were injured. The clashes also left 17 policemen injured. Over 150 IDPs were arrested following the incident.