I WAS shocked to see on Aug 27 police highhandedness on protesters near Numaish in Karachi. The protesters were batoncharged unnecessarily as alternative options were available.

First, roads could be effectively closed by containers. Second, the use of water-canons should have suf ficed. Nevertheless, the poor planning and lack of leadership on the part of the police highups worsened the situation and provided an excuse to the police to go af ter the protesters.

The parleys between the police and the protesters could have been held before resorting to baton-charge, but regretfully it was done af ter the police brutality.

Eventually, the demonstrators called off their protest. It is unfortunate to beat our own people so cruelly. Lastly, a time-tested adage: `A stitch in time saves nine` Saf ir Siddiqui Karachi