recorder report

FAISALABAD: Students of the Government Islamia College Faisalabad had burnt six buses and damaged five other vehicles after their college fellow was killed by a bus on Sargodha Road near College, here Friday. While drivers and transport workers of General Bus Stand observed complete strike and staged strong protest by burning old tyers.

District Administration have closed the Government Islamia College Faisalabad for indefinite period to control law and order situation, while one dozen students and other persons were arrested after Gas shelling and Lathi Charge.

Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad has constituted two members inquiry committee to conduct whole situation.

According to Police sources, a student of the college Ali Haider was trying to cross the road when he was knocked down by a speeding bus. He died on way to the Allied Hospital.

Soon after the incident hundreds of students of the college took to the road. They blocked the Sargodha Road and torched the bus that hit the student. Four buses were burnt at the front of the college, while two buses burnt near Jamia Chishtiya Chowk.

When this clash occurred, the police and traffic wardens were off-duty for Jumma. Students and other persons intercepted two buses, offloaded passengers and set the vehicles on fire. Large police contingent rushed to spot to calm down the angry students who refused to negotiate with police officials and damaged six more buses and five other vehicles, including vans and cars. When clash was ongoing, transporters and their employees were also started protest and observed strike and demanding all responsible students. Passengers also facing severe problems for travelling Inter city routs.

Traffic on Sargodha Road, Millat Road, Chiban Road and its link roads remained suspended for seven hours, creating problems for motorists and residents.

The protesters dispersed after senior police officers held out an assurance to them that a murder case would be registered against the driver and bus company owner(s). Meanwhile, the body of the student was handed over to the family.