NORT H WAZIRISTAN: Hundreds of health workers demonstrated here on Monday against a fatal attack on vaccinators and the accompanying policemen during the recent anti-polio drive, and threatened to boycott the upcoming campaigns if the authorities did not provide foolproof security to them.

All Paramedics Association, North Waziristan chapter, organised the protest, which took place in front of the press club in Miramshah. The protesters also blocked the main highway linking Miramshah with Bannu. They were holding banners and placards inscribed with demands for protection against attacks.

The organisers said around 2,600 health workers took part in the demonstration.

The association`s president Jalauddin told mediapersons that 900 paramedics and 1,700 Class-IV employees would not take part in the next vaccination drives if they were not provided adequate security.

Two policemen guarding a vaccination team and a health worker were martyred and another worker suffered injuries in a gun attack during the recent vaccination drive in the district.

Mr Jalaluddin also demanded Shuhada package for the f amily of the martyred polio worker, Rasheedullah, and compensation for the wounded worker, Sher Shah.

Meanwhile, additional district health officer, North Waziristan Dr Shamsur Rehman told Dawn that they were trying to persuade the health workers not to boycott the upcoming vaccination drives. `We are in contact with them to allay their fears on security,` he saidCorrespondent