RAWALPINDI  - Citizens and traders have protested against growing incidents of kidnapping for ransom and street crimes in Jinnah Market due to lack of security arrangements.
As many as 6 traders have become victim in the kidnapping for ransom incidents so far and their release was secured after making payment of ransom, said Ishtiaq Ahmad, a trader. One trader Ejaz Ahmad lost his life being gunned down by the robbers while the incumbent president of Jinnah Road Iron and Steel Association Muhammad Afzal was also deprived of million of rupees in a robbery incident.
“We can not do purchasing freely as the criminals continue to chase us and snatch our purses and mobile phones whenever we try to enter into any shop,” said a group of ladies. “My purse was snatched by a young boy a few days back in the presence of multitude of people but no one even police man came to my help,” said a lady teacher.
Traders demanded stringent security system in the market otherwise they will be forced to hold protest rallies.
Meanwhile, locals staged protest against police over escalating crime rates in an area of Gawalmandi.
The citizens complained to the Gawalmandi police regarding increasing crimes in the area, however, nothing has been done to overcome the situation. The protestors said that they are living in fear and panic on account of these crimes. They said that crimes like robbery and use of weapons has become routine matters of the said area.
They claimed that the Incharge Police Station Gawalmandi is allegedly involved in taking bribe from the criminals and never register complained against them.
The residents demanded to the concerning authorities to take strict action against the responsibles of this sorry situation. Moreover, they demanded that Incharge Police Station Gawalmandi should be suspended.