MQM for moves against patronage of criminals

Vigilante action see as a sign of no-trust in security agencies.

LONDON:

Terming the vigilante action by citizens of Karachi a manifestation of lack of confidence in law-enforcement agencies and expressing concern over the killing of a bandit by a mob in Kharadar in Karachi, members of MQM’s Central Rabita Committee said on Thursday that the situation had deteriorated to such an extent because of the patronisation of criminal elements by security agencies.

This is what is compelling the people to take the law into their hands, triggering lawlessness, the Rabita Committee said. A statement quoted the Rabita committee members as saying that it has now become apparent that criminals are being given unbridled impunity to murder, plunder and kidnap people for ransom and extortion.

They said that the people saw Sindh Home Minister, who is supposed to protect people, patronising “criminals of the Peoples Amn Committee openly by declaring them to be part of the Pakistan Peoples Party and terming the outfit to be a social organisation (just) like the Edhi Foundation”.

Describing the whole affair a clear sign of lawlessness and bad governance, the Rabita committee said that it appeared that criminals now have “full support of some important government functionaries”, adding that it was potentially devastating for the law and order prospects in the country.

They said that if the government did not stop such criminal acts, “it will be tantamount to pushing the country towards anarchy.

Urging the government to protect the country from “robbers, kidnappers and extortionists”, the Rabita Committee called for taking “stern action against elements patronising and supporting criminals”.

They said that if proper action was not taken, the government would effectively be hurtling the country towards the abyss of anarchy.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2011.