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SQM, MQM oppose setting up of IDP camps in Sindh
KARACHI:
Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) workers staged a protest demonstration
against the setting up of relief camps for the NWFP IDPs in Sindh.
The JSQM supporters gathered outside the Karachi Press Club on
Thursday and chanted slogans against the settlement of outsiders in
Sindh. The demonstration was a part of JSQM’s protest against the
influx of IDPs in the province. MQM leaders also participated in the
protest demonstration.
Addressing the protesters, JSQM Chairman Bashir Khan Qureshi alleged
that Sindh is being turned into Swat by bringing outsiders here. He
feared that the militants and suicide bombers were also entering the
province disguised as IDPs. “It seems that some elements want to
create a situation of civil war in the province. Some four million
Pakhtoons are already residing in the province,” he said while
adding that the Urdu speaking people are brothers of Sindhis and the
heirs of Sindh. The JSQM leader criticized Sindh Chief Minister Qaim
Ali Shah for extending support to the IDPs. He demanded that he
immediately wind up relief camps from the province and seal the
borders of the province. He also demanded to convene a session of
the Sindh Assembly to discuss the matter while adding that the
people of Sindh would come out on roads by taking weapons and siege
the provincial assembly otherwise.
Nisar Panwhar, an MPA belonging to MQM said that the people of Sindh
have sympathies with the affected persons and would also extend
assistance to them but would not allow them to settle here. A JSQM
leader Asif Baladi, MQM’s Shabir Qaimkhani and others also addressed
on the occasion.
Earlier, a five member JSQM delegation had called on the MQM Rabita
Committee members Waseem Aftab and Shakir Ali at the Khursheed
Memorial Hall near Nine Zero. JSQM’s central finance secretary Naeem
Mandhro led the delegates.
Both sides discussed the issue of IDPs in a half hour meeting and
agreed that they needed to strengthen their contacts for a joint
stance on Sindh-specific issues such as the IDPs affair. The JSQM
delegation expressed hope that the MQM would become a part of the
peaceful strike by JSQM.
In response, the MQM Rabita Committee assured them of their full
support. It has been learnt that JSQM has secured support from the
Sindh United Party as well. “Although the JSQM has not contacted us
so far, individually we support the call for protest,” Sindh Taraqi
Passand Party (STPP) Vice Chairman Ali Hassan Chandio told Daily
Times. staff report
Daily Times:Friday may 22,2009 |
