From Our Correspondent:
TAFTAN: Frightened citizens came out with sticks to stop Zaireen (Shia Pilgrims) from protesting openly in view of increasing fear of deadly corona virus on Monday evening. A large number of Zaireen staged a protest demonstration at this bordering town with Iran against non availability of basic facilities.
Hundreds of Zaireen came out from the quarantine center and staged a protest demonstration against the government for what they claim its failure to provide them basic facilities. The administration held a series of negotiations, but the Zaireen were not ready to abandon their protest. Subsequently, a large number of local people of Taftan came with sticks and stones and asked the Zaireen to end their protest in an open space in view of fear of corona virus. Deputy Commissioner Chaghi, Sher Zaman said that the issues of Zaireen were addressed that all possible steps were being taken to make sure safe their safe stay at the bordering town.
The administration intervened and clash was averted and the Zaireen were peacefully dispersed from the spot.
Over 1800 Zaireen have been kept in Quarantine center at the bordering town and they are under strict observation to halt the spread of corona virus. “The Zaireen can be moved after completion of their 14 days observation period”, an officer of the Balochistan home department who declined to be named told Quetta Voice. He said the government has directed the provincial disaster management authority to provide all basic facilities to Zaireen staying at the Quarantine center in Taftan.
Pakistan has closed its border with Iran on February 22nd to halt the spread of corona virus.
