Protests broke out in Swat's Matta tehsil on Monday following a deadly attack in the Shakardara area that left three people dead and injured well-known transporter Afzal Khan Gujjar, according to protesters and police.
Protest by Gujjar Community
Members of the Gujjar community staged a protest against the attack, with demonstrators placing the bodies of the victims on the road and blocking the Matta–Mingora Road for all kinds of traffic. Protesters said they were demonstrating against the attack on Afzal Khan Gujjar and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Details of the Attack
Police sources confirmed that three people were killed in the attack that took place the previous night. According to police, unknown armed men attacked Shakardara, an area of Matta tehsil in Swat, on Sunday night. The vehicle of well-known transporter Afzal Khan Gujjar was targeted with a rocket launcher while he was travelling home. Police said unknown assailants fired a rocket at Gujjar's vehicle in the Shakardara area, causing it to catch fire.
Exchange of Fire
Following the attack, heavy gunfire was exchanged between both sides, and the firing reportedly continued until late at night. Initial reports indicated that Afzal Khan Gujjar sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. Police said his young son, Bahram Khan Gujjar, and his nephew were killed on the spot. In addition, a security guard died after being trapped in the burning vehicle. Despite being injured, Afzal Khan Gujjar reportedly returned fire at the attackers. The assailants later fled the scene.
Police Investigation
Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. According to police officials, efforts to trace the attackers are continuing, and further investigations into the incident are underway.
