An encroachment eviction drive in Pakistan's Sindh province turned violent, leading to clashes between officers and a mob. At least 12 policemen were injured in the clashes that took place in the Qasimabad area of ​​Hyderabad city on Tuesday.

The officials faced stiff opposition from the locals when they arrived with a strong police backup to remove encroachments and structures to restore an irrigation channel and build a 24-foot-wide road on the land.

broken glass of vehicles

Residents of the encroached structures pelted stones at the officials, breaking the windows of some government vehicles. Around 12 civilians from the protesting crowd were also injured when law enforcement officials resorted to air firing and heavy tear gas shelling to disperse the mob.

Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zainul Abedin Memon confirmed the violence. He said, 'About 12 policemen were injured in the violence by the mob as well as some citizens.' He said that the operation was continuing on Wednesday as well after the clashes on the previous day.

What is the whole matter?

The drive is being led by the irrigation department. According to Memon, as per a survey by the Qasimabad assistant commissioner, 350-400 encroached structures were present in the area. Residents claim a different story, with many of them alleging that they have purchased the constructed structures for over Rs 1 million and are receiving monthly utility bills.

One person claimed that most of the residents have been living there since 2010. Following the clashes, the authorities have deployed troops on the encroached land and have also cut off electricity supply to the area.