SUKKUR: A large number protesters, including activists of political, social and religious parties and general public staged a rally and a sit-in at railway crossing on Jaffarabad Road in Tangwani town, Jacobabad district, on Sunday in protest against deteriorating law and order.

Traders shuttered their shops and closed down businesses to participate in the protest against police accusing them of failing to rein in criminals and restore peace across the district.

The protesters` leaders Aijaz Malik, Sharbat Nandwani, Faig Noonari, Walidino Sabzoi, Sadiq Nandwani and others said that the town had beenhanded over to criminals. They said that a gang of outlaws stormed filing stations and hotels situated near the police station, tortured people and robbed them of cell phones worth thousands of rupees and cash but no policeman came to their help.

The lamented that police had become silent spectators and there was no one to control the outlaws and dacoits who committed crimes in broad daylight and with utmost ease without fear of police.

They demanded the outlaws should be arrested immediately and citizens should be protected against rising crimes.

After five hours into the sit-in, the towns` dignitaries and union council chairman Baban Khan Bajkani persuaded the protesters to end the demonstration.