Altaf Hussain hits out at statements against Urdu speakers
Altaf Hussain says that a well thought out conspiracy is at work in the province.
KARACHI:
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain said that a well thought out conspiracy is at work in the province, with “so-called nationalists and certain leaders of Sindh” making inflammatory statements against Urdu-speaking residents of Sindh, and has warned them of the consequences of people acting up against their detractors.
The statement was featured in a video message issued by the MQM on Wednesday.
Hussain asked all leaders-including President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam-to put a stop to such statements against a particular group of people. While explaining his call, Hussain said that that was necessary as, “if this issue goes out of my control, the people could take matters in their own hands.”
Hussain said that while the MQM has repeatedly stated that it does not want the division of Sindh, “some leaders of so-called nationalist and political parties in Sindh have been saying that if there is talk of the division of Sindh, the river Indus will run with blood and there will be bloodshed”. If these people believe they can oppress Mohajirs, “they should understand that this is the 21st century.”
Hussain said he will not tire of talking about peace and unity and appealed to his supporters to show restraint and patience.
The MQM chief’s statement comes in the wake of opposition from nationalist and political parties to calls by a group, called the Mohajir Sooba Tehreek, for the formation of a separate Mohajir province. The MQM has publicly claimed it has nothing to do with the group. Members of the Sindh Assembly, including Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palijo, who helped pass a resolution against the group in the assembly, received threatening letters this week.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2012.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain said that a well thought out conspiracy is at work in the province, with “so-called nationalists and certain leaders of Sindh” making inflammatory statements against Urdu-speaking residents of Sindh, and has warned them of the consequences of people acting up against their detractors.
The statement was featured in a video message issued by the MQM on Wednesday.
Hussain asked all leaders-including President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam-to put a stop to such statements against a particular group of people. While explaining his call, Hussain said that that was necessary as, “if this issue goes out of my control, the people could take matters in their own hands.”
Hussain said that while the MQM has repeatedly stated that it does not want the division of Sindh, “some leaders of so-called nationalist and political parties in Sindh have been saying that if there is talk of the division of Sindh, the river Indus will run with blood and there will be bloodshed”. If these people believe they can oppress Mohajirs, “they should understand that this is the 21st century.”
Hussain said he will not tire of talking about peace and unity and appealed to his supporters to show restraint and patience.
The MQM chief’s statement comes in the wake of opposition from nationalist and political parties to calls by a group, called the Mohajir Sooba Tehreek, for the formation of a separate Mohajir province. The MQM has publicly claimed it has nothing to do with the group. Members of the Sindh Assembly, including Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palijo, who helped pass a resolution against the group in the assembly, received threatening letters this week.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2012.