MQM’s version: ‘Rangers forced, threatened traders to open shops’
Rabita Committee paid tribute to the people for observing the day of mourning in a press release
PHOTO: INP
KARACHI:
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) claimed that traders and transporters observing the party’s day of mourning were threatened and forced by the Rangers to resume their activities.
The party’s spokesperson in Karachi, Aminul Haque, told The Express Tribune, “The entire world saw Rangers forcing shopkeepers to open their shops and petrol pump owners to [resume their business]. Videos and pictures of this are available on social media,” he claimed. Haque also said that nine party workers from areas, such as Liaquatabad and Orangi Town, were arrested by the Rangers on Saturday morning. “The law enforcement agencies claim that the men were involved in forceful closure of shops,” he said. “But these workers were innocent and were arrested from their homes.” Meanwhile, the Rabita Committee paid tribute to the people for observing the day of mourning in a press release. According to the committee, the law enforcement agencies threatened transporters, shopkeepers and petrol pump owners from Friday night onwards that if they participated in the strike, they will not be able to open their businesses again.
“Instead of being ashamed of killing MQM workers and taking action against those responsible, the law enforcement agencies were involved in threatening those who had supported our day of mourning since Friday night,” said Haque. “Despite this, the shops and petrol pumps remained closed and law enforcement agencies were busy opening them.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2015.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) claimed that traders and transporters observing the party’s day of mourning were threatened and forced by the Rangers to resume their activities.
The party’s spokesperson in Karachi, Aminul Haque, told The Express Tribune, “The entire world saw Rangers forcing shopkeepers to open their shops and petrol pump owners to [resume their business]. Videos and pictures of this are available on social media,” he claimed. Haque also said that nine party workers from areas, such as Liaquatabad and Orangi Town, were arrested by the Rangers on Saturday morning. “The law enforcement agencies claim that the men were involved in forceful closure of shops,” he said. “But these workers were innocent and were arrested from their homes.” Meanwhile, the Rabita Committee paid tribute to the people for observing the day of mourning in a press release. According to the committee, the law enforcement agencies threatened transporters, shopkeepers and petrol pump owners from Friday night onwards that if they participated in the strike, they will not be able to open their businesses again.
“Instead of being ashamed of killing MQM workers and taking action against those responsible, the law enforcement agencies were involved in threatening those who had supported our day of mourning since Friday night,” said Haque. “Despite this, the shops and petrol pumps remained closed and law enforcement agencies were busy opening them.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2015.