December 30, 2007	Sunday	Zilhaj 19, 1428

TAXILA, Dec 29: Troops started making regular patrols in Wah Cantonment on Saturday to assist the local administration in countering the violence in the aftermath of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in Rawalpindi.

During the last two days, rioters attacked and damaged both private and public property, including POF Welfare Transport Service’s buses, government buildings and commercial banks.

However, army personnel are now manning all accesses to the garrison town that has several military installations.

The soldiers are also guarding important buildings and business centres to check any attempt by mobs to disrupt law and order.

Officials on the condition of anonymity said the troop deployment was part of enhanced security measures to avert any untoward incident.

“The presence of army will also create a sense of security among the residents in the wake of suicide bombings in various parts of the country,” they added.

Meanwhile, the towns of Taxila, Wah and Hassanabdal that were in the grip of election frenzy a couple of days ago, saw the third day of inactivity and uncertainty on Saturday.

With no public transport on roads and no shop open for customers, the residents were struck by shortage of food and other daily-use commodities.

People having their own means of transport were also not able to drive to near-by areas in search of food items as most of the vehicles were running short of fuel and there was no filling station operating in the area.

Those who were lucky to have some fuel were hesitant to come on road in view of the fear that the angry protesters would intercept them and destroy their property.

Hundreds of people were seen stranded at various bus stops due to unavailability of public transport. Patients and the elderly were also unable to reach hospitals.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 people, including activists of different political parties, offered the funeral prayers in absentia for the slain PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto at the Railway Ground in Taxila.

Many cried their eyes out while others feared that the high- profile killing would further destabilise the country.

Later, the participants marched on the Railway Road and Faisal Shaheed Road before dispersing peacefully at Christian Hospital.

Supporters of the PPP also brought down banners and posters of PML-Q candidates and election symbols and set them on fire.

They complained against, what they termed, government’s negligence in protecting their leader.