KHYBER: In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, residents of Landi Kotal laid siege to the local grid station, demanding the promised six hours of electricity supply which authorities had failed to deliver. The protest, marked by black flags and vocal discontent, saw around 100 enraged citizens storming the facility, resulting in a complete suspension of power to the tehsil and the Torkham border.
Despite their forceful entry, the protesters remained non-violent, choosing not to confront the grid station staff directly. Their primary demand was a firm assurance from the Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (Tesco) regarding the promised electricity supply. However, grid staff, citing the absence of responsible Tesco officials, were unable to provide any such assurance, prolonging the siege.
In the meantime, prisoners in the overcrowded Bara sub-jail expressed grave concerns over the excessive loadshedding they were experiencing. Through their relatives, the inmates, numbering around 200, communicated to the media that despite having a meter installed and regularly paying their monthly bills, they continued to suffer from severe power outages. Reports indicate that the suffocating conditions had led to some prisoners fainting.
Residents in Jamrud also faced disruptions, with a windstorm the previous day leading to power outages that impacted life in Ali Masjid, Rikiyalai, Shahgai, Ghundi, and surrounding areas. The adverse weather conditions compounded the existing issues with power supply, adding to the community’s woes.
In a separate incident, the Sultankhel area of Landi Kotal was rocked by violence as unidentified gunmen fatally shot a taxi driver on Wednesday. Police reported that Nazeerullah, a resident of Nakikhel, was attacked while shopping in a local market. The assailants, riding a motorcycle, opened fire, leaving Nazeerullah critically injured. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Authorities are investigating the shooting, and the community remains on edge amid the ongoing power supply challenges and the recent act of violence.