LANDI KOTAL: Traders and shopkeepers of Landi Kotal Bazaar observed a complete shutter down strike on Friday in protest against the abduction of their colleague from the bazaar four days ago.

The protesters, led by the Traders Association Landi Kotal bazaar, marched from Bacha Khan Chowk to the press club. Holding banners and black flags, they chanted slogans against the abduction of a shopkeeper from his shop in daylight. They asked the political administration to provide security to the 10cal traders and take prompt action for the safe recovery of their colleague.

The association`s president Lal Rahim Shinwari and general secretary Amjad Khan Shinwari strongly criticised the political administration of Landi Kotal for its failure torecoverthe abducted shopkeeper.

They said that the officials had so far not taken any action against the culprits.

The traders said that abduction of a trader at gunpoint from the busy bazaar in daylight had spread a wave of fear among the business community. They said that they had lodged a complaint in the office of assistant political agent, Landi Kotal, but to no avail.

They threatened to block the Pak-Afghan Highway for traffic if the shopkeeper was not recovered soon. Landi Kotal bazaar has over 2000 shops and its closure has created problems for the residents.

Official sources said that APA Mohammad Tayyab had issued written notices to the Bazaar Zakhakhel elders to ensure safe release of the abducted shopkeeper.

ENROLMENT: Parents in Khyber Agency have been asked to enrol their children in schools as education is the key to peace and development of the conflict-hit regions of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

The call was made at the annual day function of a government school in Meerdadkhel area on Friday by assistant education officer Hastam Khan Afridi.

He said that all the teachers should ensure their presence on duty. `Students spend maximum time with their teachers so they should adopt a friendly attitude with them,` he said.