Karachi violence: Members of four political parties targeted

Policeman hit by bullet paralysed for life.

KARACHI:

A leader of a Sindhi nationalist party and a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activist were among the seven people killed in Karachi on Monday.

A local leader of a Sindhi nationalist party, Qasim Chandio, was shot dead near Metrological department in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, within the jurisdiction of Mobina Town police station. SHO Jamal Leghari told The Express Tribune that the deceased was affiliated with the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM). “He was going somewhere on his motorcycle when two armed men on a motorcycle approached and killed him,” said SHO Leghari, adding that the culprits managed to escape from the scene. His death triggered unrest in the area as party workers and supporters gathered on the road next to Jauhar Complex and blocked traffic. They also burnt tyres to condemn the Chandio’s death.

The police arrived at the scene to disperse the protesters and Sacchal SHO Goga Saqib was wounded in the exchange of fire between them and the police. He was taken to Aga Khan Hospital. “My SHO went there only to disperse the protesters,” DSP Khalid Khan told The Express Tribune. “He requested them to not disrupt law and order but they opened fire at him,” he added. “A bullet penetrated his backbone because of which he has been paralysed for life.”

After the incident, a larger number of law enforcers, including Rangers, arrived at the scene and they conducted a search operation in Jauhar Complex. Around half a dozen suspects were detained in the operation. The police officials also found weapons from the suspects and took them away for investigations.



DSP Khan said that Chandio was also the union president for Jauhar Complex and had been involved in a dispute with a rival political party since the past four days. “The nationalist party has claimed that the members of a rival party are responsible for killing their leader,” said DSP Khan, adding that no case was registered as yet.

MQM worker shot dead

A Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) worker, 42-year-old Muhammad Jamal, was shot dead in Iqbal Market, Orangi Town. SHO Amjad Kiyani said that the deceased was associated with MQM’s Unit 118. “Jamal was a driver by profession and was on his way to work when two armed men on a motorcycle shot and killed him near his residence,” SHO Kiyani added. Additionally, a worker of the Sunni Tehreek, Zahid Qadri was shot and injured by armed men in Macchar Colony, Docks. He was taken to Civil hospital.

ANP targeted once again

A senior leader of Awami National Party (ANP), Siraj Khan aka Lala, survived a bomb explosion outside his residence in Sherpao Colony, Landhi, on Monday. Khan, who also works as a transporter and runs mechanic shops at his residence, told The Express Tribune that he was standing outside his home when two armed men on a motorcycle approached, threw explosives at his house and escaped.

“They (Taliban) frequently demand that that I pay them Rs8 million as donations (extortion),” Khan claimed. “They attacked me because I refused to pay them.” After the explosion, a contingent of law enforcers, including the bomb disposal squad, arrived at the site and cordoned it off. According to experts from the squad, the explosion was caused by a local hand grenade.

DSP Ghulam Nabi Wago said that no one was injured in the attack and the police have collected evidence from the site. He added that the police didn’t know about Khan receiving extortion demands.

Apart from the political murders, the city also lost five other men - 22-year-old Junaid Gul, 34-year-old Mehtabuddin, an employee of a private insurance company, Yaqoob Ali Jan, 38-year-old Khalid Mehmood, and Hamid.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2013.