BANNU: The Bannu Peace March, which has now turned into a sit-in, entered its second day with a large number of people are participating despite the yesterday’s outbreak of violence.
On the second day, protesters gathered at Police Line Chowk to continue their sit-in against terrorism and a potential military operation in the region.
The Bannu Peace March was organized by the activist group Bannu Olasi Pasoon and the local business community to protest the rising incidents of terrorism.
The march, known as the Bannu Olasi Pasoon, was a peaceful gathering where participants carried white flags symbolizing their call for peace. However, the previous day’s event was marred by violence when gunfire broke out, causing a stampede that led to the casualties of protesters. At least four people were killed and 22 others were injured when gunfire caused a stampede at a march in Bannu city on Friday.
بنوں میں امن دھرنا دوسرے روز بھی پولیس لائن چوک میں جاری ہے،
امن دھرنا تاجر تنظیموں کی اپیل پر کیا جارہا ہے،
دھرنا شرکاء نے کہا کہ بنوں میں ممکنہ آپریشن پر بنوں کے عوام کےلیے میانیوالی اور سرگودھا میں کیمپ بنائے گئے ہیں، لیکن ہم گھر بار چھوڑنے کےلیے تیار نہیں
وڈیو: صحافی منظور pic.twitter.com/pFdJ83aXka— Rifatullah Orakzai رفعت اللہ اورکزئی (@RifatOrakzai) July 20, 2024
The exact source of the gunfire remains unclear. Protesters have alleged that security personnel were responsible, although no official statement has been issued by the authorities.
Social media videos have surfaced showing some protesters with firearms and engaging in shooting, including one instance of aerial firing despite pleas from fellow demonstrators to stop. The injured were taken to District MTI Hospital for treatment.
Several videos, however, have surfaced on social media showing some protesters carrying pistols, while others are seen firing.
A social media user and journalist Farzana Shah posted a video on X with capition evidence of the Bannu protest that armed protestors can be seen resorting to firing.
Evidence:
In another video of Bannu protest, Armed protestors can be seen resorting to firing…
Faces are visible; if the govt wants, it can find them & register cases under ATA.
Contrary to the claims of certain lobbies,there is no fire by Security Forces #BannuAmanMarch pic.twitter.com/mISwrFuHGa— Farzana Shah (@Jana_Shah) July 19, 2024
Another social media user Farhan Kiyani shared a video on X in which a protester can be seen restoring aerial firing despite pleas from others to stop.
لو آ گیا ثبوت پی ٹی ایم کے کارکن نے فائرنگ کی، انتظامیہ منع کرتی رہی ۔۔۔ صبح سے ایک مولوی بہت چھلانگیں لگا رہا ہے غلیل کا ثبوت لائو pic.twitter.com/U5vqsacJWy
— فرحان الحق کیانی (@Farhan_Kiyani) July 19, 2024
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan strongly condemned the incident and asked the federal and provincial governments to address the demands of the protesters.
On Friday, Bannu’s business community had called for a protest against the increasing incidents of terrorism, asking the protesters to protest by holding the white flag. The protesters demanded that peace and order should be ensured in Bannu.
On the call of the business community, business centers remained closed in Bannu on Friday while thousands of people took to the streets.
It should be noted that eight security personnel lost their lives in the attack on Bannu Cantt by terrorists on Monday. In retaliation, 10 terrorists were claimed killed.
In another incident, five people, including two children and two women, were killed in an attack on a primary health center near Dera Ismail Khan between Monday and Tuesday.