KARACHI: Empress Market area became a battleground last night as the search operation by the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) was violently protested by the shop owners of the area, ARY News reports on Tuesday.
Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) anti encroachment staff and heavy contingent of police lodged a raid in Empress Market area. The shopkeepers rushed to the area after receiving information and started protesting against the operation.
The protest turned violent as the protestors blocked the streets after burning tires. They also chanted slogans against the security force.
Police lodged a baton charge and used water canon to disperse the angry protestors. However, the protestors and the police both stood their grounds. Aerial firing was also witnessed from both sides during the chaotic scenes.
Director of Lands KMC said that owners off the makeshift shops did not move their business away from the area despite being sent many notices due to which the operation was held. On the other hand, vendors claim that KMC officials had demanded extortion from them.
SP Anti-Encroachment Arif Aziz stated that severe action will be taken against the encroachers where ever they are found in the metropolis.