GUJRAT: Frustration and anger are creeping into security per sonnel deployed at the Chenab bridges for the last couple of weeks and crew members of heavy vehicles parked there (to block the passages) at a time when the government has entered into a deal with the proscribed Tehreek-iLabbaik Pakistan and cleared roads and bridges in other districts.

Since the TLP marchers are camped in a park in Wazirabad, the government is not ready to open the Chenab bridges.

Ofhcial sources said the senior hierarchy of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) had also informed the government about the increasing level of tiredness and frustration among the force deployed for the security due to poor quality of food, lack of arrangements for having rest and answer-ing the call of nature.

The security staff are compelled to have sleep in police vans and buses and walk some distance to use toilets of nearby mosques.Moreover, the crew members of at least 100 trucks, trailers and other heavy vehicles parked at and near the Chenab bridges are also anxious to reach theirrespective destinations for the delivery of goods or reach their homes.

Most of the personnel and crews kill their time by playing cards, chess, luddoor using cell phones.

A truck driver from Rawla Kot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, told Dawn that he had to deliver a consignment in Sialkot but was stuck up at the bridge for the last 13 nights.

He said the government`s agreement with the TLP four days ago had brought a ray of hope for them that they would be allowed to leave but this did not happen The residents of Gujrat city and its adjoining areas, particularly those belonging to the business fraternity, have also expressed their concern over delay in opening of three bridge. The said trade activities in city`s commercial hubs and manufacturing units had been badly affected.

Qasim Ali, a local cloth merchant of Muslim Bazaar, said the months of October and November increased their sales due to wedding season but lockdowns due to Covid and roads blockades had dampened their hopes.