Reiterating demands: JSQM takes to Larkana, asks MQM to withdraw Muhajir province call

A heavy contingent of police and Rangers was guarding the MQM office

SUKKUR:

After holding protest sit-ins in Ghotki, Kandhkot and Shikarpur, the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) finally took to Larkana to condemn the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) demand for a Muhajir province on Wednesday.

Hundreds of JSQM activists staged a demonstration outside the MQM office in Larkana. Activists carrying party flags and banners gathered at Jinnah Bagh Chowk. They were led by JSQM vice-chairperson Dr Niaz Kalani, Kehar Ansari among others and were shouting slogans against the MQM's demand.



Later, the protesters marched towards the MQM's zonal office near Naka No 7 to stage a sit-in. The office was locked and a heavy contingent of police and Rangers was deployed to avert any untoward incident.

Speaking at the sit-in, Kalani and other leaders condemned the demand of a Muhajir province and asked the party chief Altaf Hussain to withdraw the call. Kalani alleged that the Pakistan Peoples Party and the MQM have lost the support of the people and are using the Sindhi and Muhajir cards for their survival.

The leaders called for a respect for Sindh as people belonging to different ethnic groups have been living in the province since long in peace and harmony. They claimed that the Urdu-speaking community is the least concerned with the Muhajir province, adding that the matter has only been taken up by MQM's leadership as a political stunt.



JSQM leader Amjad Mahesar stressed that they are committed to safeguarding their motherland and urged upon the Urdu-speaking community to join hands with them for the development and prosperity of Sindh.

Kalani said that Sindh's resources are being usurped since long and people living in the province have been deprived of their rights. Therefore, they added, the people living in Sindh should opt for a joint struggle for their rights.

According to the JSQM leaders, the first phase of their protest has ended. Kalani warned that if the MQM leadership did not withdraw its demand, then the scope of the protest will be widened after Ashura. He added that not only will they stage protest demonstrations and sit-ins, but will also block highways.

The leaders said that they were positive that the MQM will withdraw its demand considering the sentiments of the Sindhis and Urdu-speaking community.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2014.