Bashir Qureshi’s death: Shutters go down in Sindh as JSQM protests against govt

The party acting-chairperson said that nearly 500 activists and workers were arrested.

SUKKUR/ HYDERABAD/ KARACHI:

In protest against what it called the government’s “indifferent” attitude, the death of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) chief Bashir Qureshi and denying his family the chance to have the body examined at Aga Khan University Hospital, party leaders organised a strike throughout the province on Wednesday.

In Karachi, the police were put on high alert when two party workers were gunned down in Lyari. DIG South Shaukat Ali Shah said that JSQM workers were forcing shopkeepers to go home and shot at a shop owner when he did not listen. This prompted men to shoot at 30-year-old Ghulam Hussain and 26-year-old Naqash. They were taken to Civil Hospital, Karachi.

In Sukkur, the police and protesters played hide and seek. JSQM supporters and activists were roaming around the city on their motorcycles with wooden sticks and forcing people to shut shops while the police was forcing them to stay open. The police arrested 40 party workers. A heavy contingent of Rangers and the police was sent to monitor the situation.

Party workers in Shikarpur had an argument with the police and some workers beat up the SHO at New Faujdari police station. Around six JSQM workers were arrested and several others staged a protest at Rustam Chowk for three hours. Eventually the police was forced to let the men walk free.

Nearly 12 JSQM workers were injured in a clash with the police in Khairpur. Unrest was reported in Hyderabad, Larkana, Dadu, Kamber Shahdadkot, Khairpur and Badin where JSQM activists staged sit-ins and burnt tyres. Men set two trucks on fire near Malir and Khokhrpar. Three train compartments allocated for army officers were also set on fire in Kotri on Tuesday night. SHO Tariq Laghari told The Express Tribune that two of the five bogies used by the army were destroyed. However, the Inter Services Public Relations spokesperson denied that the bogies belonged to or were used by the army.

The Secondary School Certificate-II and university exams were also postponed.

While speaking at a press conference in Ratodero, the party’s acting chairperson, Dr Niaz Kalani said: “Our protest was peaceful but the police have arrested over 500 members and activists. Despite this, I would like to thank the people of Sindh, Sindh Tarraqi Pasand Party and other nationalist parties for supporting our strike.”

He said that they believed in the non-violence philosophy of GM Syed and have nothing to do with firing and arson being reported.

According to Home Minister Manzoor Wassan the government would meet JSQM’s demands. “Bashir Qureshi was my friend who worked more than us for the cause of Sindh,” he said. “We will provide justice to the family and his party.”

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has demanded an inquiry. On Wednesday, its Coordination Committee called for the causes of Qureshi’s death to be investigated and the findings made public. The MQM said it supports the family’s demand.

Examinations interrupted by activists

Dozens of party activists took over the examination centre located at the Jinnah Square in Malir and told almost 200 matriculation students along with the staff members to stay outside.

According to the centre’s superintendent, Shafi Muhammad Barohi, the police had knowledge of the incident but did not take any action. “The exam was about to begin and students had started to arrive but the party’s men at the school gate did not let anybody in,” said Barohi. “I tried to talk to them but they gently told me to leave the premises along with the staff and students.” The activists said that JSQM had announced a strike and according to the party discipline, they are bound to follow the orders.

Barohi contacted the Karachi Board of Secondary Education’s controller of examination, Prof Rafia Mallah, who told him to avoid a confrontation.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2012.