Traders down shutters in Khar Bazaar.

BAJAUR -- A complete shutter-down strike was observed in Khar Bazaar here on Thursday as the traders protested the demolition of shops and structures as part of an anti-encroachment campaign for the second consecutive day.

All markets and commercial centres of the bazaar remained closed throughout the day on the call of the Khar Traders Association.

Traffic was thin on roads, especially after 2m, as angry protesters closed a number of roads connecting Khar with other parts of Bajaur tribal district.

An overnight anti-encroachment crackdown by the TMA had led to the demolition of almost all shops and structures on both sides of GT Road.

A large demonstration was staged in the Khar Bazaar, where traders, shopkeepers, political and social activists and youth leaders showed up in large numbers.

The protesters blocked roads connecting the bazaar with rest of the district flayed the demolition of shops and structures in the dead of night.

They claimed that the TMA took away goods from the demolished shops.

The speakers, including Khar Traders Association president Khan Bahadar, ANP...