KOH AT: The Shagiwal tribesmen blocked the Indus Highway in the Darra Adamkhel tribal subdivision on Friday to protest the alleged abduction of two of their tribe`s members by a rival clan over a coal profit dispute.

The protesters blasted the local administration for its failure to recover the men, who they claimed had been abducted about two months ago.

The protest caused long queues of vehicles on both sides of the artery, causing misery to commuters, including women and children.

`We have been in touch with the elders of the rival tribe for sorting out the matter peacefully, who assuredthat the hostages would be released by involving the Darra assistant commissioner, but to no avail,` a protester deplored.

Meanwhile, an elder, Malik Syed Asghar, claimed to Dawn on contact that this was the third time that the tribesmen of Zarghunkhel had been `abducted` by the Akhorwal tribe over a money dispute of Rs40 million.

He said the men had been whisked away from the coalmines.

The highway was opened after the administration officials assured the protesters of ensuring early release of the abductees.

S P O R T SGALA: A sports gala featuring 110 teams sponsored by a local cement company concluded at the Kohat Sports Complex here on Friday.

The chief guest on the occasion was former interior minister and MNA Shehryar Afridi.

Kohat division commissioner Motasim Billah was also present.

The event feathered cricket and football tournaments.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Afridi said that suchevents would be organised in other parts of the district as well.

The commissioner emphasised that games promoted healthy activities and discouraged social menaces among youth.

Trophies and cash prizes were given away to the players of the winning and runner-up teams.

Meanwhile, the Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) on Friday banned `politically-moti-vated` associations and unions of employees and students on its campuses in light of a judgment of the Supreme Court.

In a notification, the registrar stated that political activities were strictly forbidden in educational institutions/universities, and shall be stopped immediately.

He said officers, lower cadre employees as well as students should refrain from indulging in such activities to avoid expulsion.