Three shot, radio station switched off as tensions rise in Lira

Business came to a standstill in Lira town Saturday as security agencies engaged rowdy youths in running battles. Several gunshots were heard hovering over the town, followed by splashes of teargas within the business centre.
Three people only identified as Douglas Okello, 16, Jasper Ocen, 42, and Innocent Odongo have been admitted to Lira regional referral hospital with gunshot wounds.

The chaos started after the youths mounted an attack against Indian traders in retaliation for the death of an 11-year-old pupil of Alito Primary School, Dickens Okello, who was allegedly killed by two Asian nationals on November 9.

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Armed youths
It is reported that some youths armed with stones and sticks started patrolling Imat Miria Road and Ohuru Bar along Lira-Soroti Road, in search of Indian owned shops, soon after Okello's burial at Dok-Gudu Cell, which was equally dominated by clashes between security operatives and mourners.

The youths' attempted to attack Family Supermarket, one of the outlets owned by Indian traders in Lira but they were thwarted by the heavily armed security personnel.

Mr Peter Ojok, a trader at Ohuru Bar said the youths numbering about 15 stormed the area and started breaking into the Family Supermarket.
They were stopped by security personnel. Ajok said he had closed his business when the confusion broke out.

The situation in the town is tense, the streets are deserted and shops closed. Heavily armed police personnel have taken control of the town, running patrols along major streets and suburbs.

Lira District Police Commander Joel Tubanone told URN that the situation was control and urged traders to resume businesses. He said the operation was meant to block ill-intentioned youths from breaking into the shops.
This is the second attempt by the Youths to attack Asian traders operating various businesses in Lira town. Last Monday, police thwarted attacks on Asian traders by the same group prompting them to close shops for two days.

Radio switched off

Meanwhile, Unity Radio, one of the stations broadcasting from Lira has been switched off, moments after it was raided by security personnel. They accused the station of inciting violence.

The security team has reportedly confiscated all gadgets; Phones, cameras and computers that were in use at the time of the raid. Sam Atul the station manager confirmed the incident.

Pakistani communityspeak out

“Situation of Lira city is not ideal because rowdy youth and hooligans are moving all around the city, they wanted to break and loot the shops and houses of Indian and Pakistani nationals. Police are firing tear gas canisters and live bullets to disperse the rowdy crowd,” said Mr Agha Aslam, the media coordinator for Pakistani Association Lira.

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