HAFIZABAD
As many as 126 medical officers and paramedical staff working in the Rural Health Centres went on strike and staged a sit-in in front of the office of district manager against non-payment of their salaries for the last two months.
They burnt tyres and blocked Gujranwala Road for more than two hours. The protesters announced that they would boycott the anti-polio campaign commencing from June 23 and demanded payment of their salaries without further delay. They announced that lockout of all the RHCs will continue till the payment of their salaries. The police was called in to disperse the protesters and scuffle arose between the cops and the protesters. Meanwhile, on the directive of DCO, AC Rao Sohail negotiated with them and on his assurance that they will be paid soon, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
Meantime, the clerks from Hafizabad district took out a protest rally for non-acceptance of their demands. Led by APCA District President Nasrullah Hanjra and other office-bearers paraded on the main thoroughfares and staged a sit-in at Fawara Chowk.