Demanding a survey and compensation, the victims of the December 27 violence in Karachi on Tuesday claimed that they were targeted because of their ethno-linguistic background. "I openly say that we were attacked and looted because we are Mohajirs (those who migrated)," claimed Kamal Ahmed Siddiqui, whose PSO fuel station was ransacked by miscreants at Jahangir Road.
His comments came during a press conference at Karachi Press Club held by the victims, who lost their loved ones and had their property damaged in the violence. Shahid Farhad, who was acting as a representative of the community, without naming any group or political party, termed the incidents as deplorable and unprecedented in the history of Karachi.
He criticised the armed miscreants for targeting a certain community and warned the authorities in Islamabad of 'manoeuvring' aimed at creating linguistic divisions in the province. "Mohtarma's martyrdom was undoubtedly a tragedy but the reaction appeared to be unprecedented as no one was harmed other than a certain class", Shahid said.
He lashed out at human rights organisations for keeping mum over the ghastly acts of loot and plunder. Shahid demanded of the President, Sindh governor and other high-ups to form a commission to bring the culprits to book and pay compensation to the victims.
Haleema, mother of the slain Abdul Qadir who was the sole bread earner for the family, with tearful eyes demanded compensation. Islamuddin Sheikh, President, Shershah Scrap Market, said the violence had aggravated the ongoing food crisis.
Comments
Comments are closed.