Karachi violence: Awami Tehreek vows to 'avenge every drop of blood shed'

Ayaz Palijo says he will take revenge of the murders, not from innocent Urdu-speaking people, but from 'terrorists'.

KARACHI: Awami Tehreek President Ayaz Latif Palijo vowed to avenge ‘every single drop of blood’ shed during riots in Karachi, which erupted after gunmen opened fire on a protest rally on Tuesday. “These murders will not go unnoticed. Those shedding blood on the streets of Karachi will be held accountable.”

Palijo announced that his party will take revenge of the murders "not from innocent Urdu-speaking people, but from the terrorists". He added that the police left the areas as soon as firing began and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) “stood there, watching Sindhis being killed”.

He told the media that his party received text messages from a certain political party last night, threatening a repeat of the May 12 scenario during the rally today. “During our rally, containers were placed to block our entry into certain areas. But when those supporting the Mohajir province were rallying, they were even allowed to enter the red zones, and were also given juices.”

“I thank PML-N and Jamaat-e-Islami who supported us in the protest,” he said and also thanked the Urdu-speaking people who joined Awami Tehreek’s protest today.

Over 10 people were killed and 23 injured in violence that erupted after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a rally organised by the Awami Tehreek and banned Peoples Amn Committee (PAC) to protest the formation of a Mohajir province.

The protesters were also rallying against the targeted operations in the Lyari area.