OUTCRY: Demonstrations against sectarian killings continue as protesters staged a sit-in in front of the Governor House on Sunday. PHOTO: INP
While on his way to the protest, Amad Hussain, a student of Islamia College, was injured when a motorcyclist shot him near Deen Trade Centre and drove off.
Former general secretary of the Imamia Students Organisation Hassan Ali said Hussain was hit on the leg, but declared to be out of danger at Lady Reading Hospital. An FIR had not been registered till this report was filed, and the victim was still under treatment.
Meanwhile, the protesters started pouring in from various parts of Peshawar at around 4:30 pm. They vowed to continue the protest until the demands of Shias protesting in Quetta are met by the government.
The demonstrators laid down their mattresses on main Sher Shah Suri Road and chanted slogans. They held banners asking the government to stop the persecution of Shias in the country. They further demanded the arrest of the killers of Dr Riaz Hussain, who was assassinated last week.
Expressing their grievances, participants said Shias were being targeted all over the country while the government is failing to apprehend those responsible for terrorism.
“Shias are not safe in the country; they are being persecuted, wherever they are. We will continue to sit here until the government hears our demands and promises to ensure our safety,” said Syed Jawad Hadi, a cleric.
Activists of Turi Bangash Supreme Council, Youth of Parachinar, Imamia Students Organisation and other Shia representatives took part in the demonstration.
Police had blocked Sher Shah Suri Road from Jail Chowk to Cantonment Railway Station for all kinds of traffic, to ensure the safety of protestors. People were still coming to join the protest, till this report was filed.
Gilgit
Shia clerics in Gilgit have announced a sit-in until the protests in Quetta end. Agha Rahat Hussaini, an influential religious leader, made the announcement at the end of a rally organised to mark the 8th death anniversary of Agha Ziauddin, a prominent cleric who was murdered in Gilgit in 2005.
Following his call, hundreds of protesters marched towards the Governor House to stage a demonstration. The clerics said they would continue protesting until their demands are accepted and terrorists are arrested.
They demanded the arrest of Shakirullah Jan, the main accused in Agha Ziauddin murder case, who escaped last month from a jail in Gilgit. They alleged that the government deliberately let the accused escape.
Haripur
In Haripur, protesters staged a sit-in by blocking the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) for over an hour.
Activists of Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen carried out a procession from Masjid-e-Hamza, Saein Saheli Road to Panian Chowk.
Placards and banners held by demonstrators condemned the killing of Shias in Quetta last week. Speakers demanded protection for Shias across the country and termed the killing of 104 innocent citizens in the incident as a proof of the state’s failure in Balochistan.
DI Khan
A large number of people, including women and children, organised a protest in DI Khan to express solidarity with the families of the victims.
Hundreds of protesters walked from Hussaini Chowk and gathered at Fawara Chowk, where religious representatives addressed participants. Demonstrators held banners and placards saying “Give protection to Shias in Pakistan” and “Punish those involved in the killings.”
In their speeches, religious clerics said targeted killing of Hazara Shias in Balochistan is against Islam and humanity and the government remains unconcerned about their security.
The protestors remained at Fawara Chowk for over two hours where the men performed Zohr prayers. Participants said they will continue to protest on a daily basis and if the government does not meet the demands of Hazaras, then protests will intensify. WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING FROM OUR CORRESPONDENTS IN GILGIT, DI KHAN AND HARIPUR
Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2013.
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The right and appropriate way of protest. Peaceful protests carry the highest weight / pressure and the government shall be compelled to wake up from the voluntary / involuntary slumber of inaction.