Lyari violence: KRC to decide its political future after soyem of slain leader

‘We’ll withdraw backing from PPP if murderers not arrested in two days’.

KARACHI:

The Kutchi Rabita Committee (KRC) has alluded that it may withdraw its political allegiance to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) if the government does not catch the killers of Rasheed Kutchi and his security guard Zubair in two days.

“Even though we are PPP voters, if the party doesn’t support us then after the soyem we will also take a decision about our political future,” declared Hussain Kutchi on Monday.

He said that the KRC did not want to nominate innocent people in the FIR and this was why it was carrying out its own investigation.

Rasheed and Zubair were shot at the KRC office in Kalri by around eight motorcyclists on Sunday night while they were watching the Pakistan-India match.

The KRC leader warned of dire consequences if the authorities did not act against the outlawed Peoples Amn Committee (PAC). “If the assailants are not arrested by the soyem we will cross all limits.” He lamented that even though the Kutchi people voted for the PPP, it had not spoken for them as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had. He was referring to the statements made by MQM leaders who condemned the attack.

Meanwhile, the funeral prayers Rasheed and Zubair were offered after Zuhr at Kalri ground. Rasheed was laid to rest in Mewa Shah Graveyard while Zubair was buried in Mawach Goth Graveyard.

The funeral was attended by PPP MPA Saleem Hingoro and minister for katchi abadies and spatial development, Dr Rafiq Engineer, and a large number of relatives and friends of the victims.

While talking to the media, Engineer said that he condemned Rasheed’s murder and his death was a major loss for the KRC since he was playing a major role in restoring peace in Lyari.

“I still adhere to my words,” he declared. “If the killers are not arrested by the soyem, I will also give my resignation along with Nabeel Gabol and Saleem Hingoro.” The people who had gathered shouted slogans against the PAC and demanded that the government act against it. “What does banned mean?” asked a young Imran Kutchi.

“The PAC is only banned on paper and the whole world knows this.” He alleged that PAC killed Rasheed because he had organised a successful rally for Nabeel Gabol. He had been receiving death threats.

“If things get out of control then we will search and kill the PAC people,” said another young man, Tahir Kutchi.

The routes leading towards the red-zone were blocked by the police. Containers had been placed near Tower, Jinnah Bridge, Mai Kolachi Road and Shaheen Complex, causing massive traffic jams for hours. But they were removed after the KRC announced to delay the protests till after the soyem.

District South DIG Shaukat Ali Shah told The Express Tribune that the police received clear instructions from the government to take stern action against criminals irrespective of if they belong to the PAC or any other party. A crackdown began in the area to search for the killers and extortionists on Monday night with the help of Rangers, Frontier Constabulary, Muhafiz Force and other special units.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2012.