Protest continues against Quetta killings

05 Mar, 2004

Shopping areas in different parts of the city particularly in the vicinities of Imambargahs remained partly closed on Thursday in protest against sectarian killings in different cities on the tenth of Muharram-ul-Haram.
The Sohrab Goth area remained tense as many people, mostly Pushtoons, did not open their shops and were seen sitting in groups in angry mood, at different places.
The effect of Wednesday's disturbances and clashes between different sects was still visible as glasses of broken windscreens of cars, parts of damaged pushcarts and damaged vehicles remained lying alongside the main Super Highway.
Fearing re-eruption of violence and revenge killing, heavy police and other law enforcement personnel continued patrolling of the affected localities.
In the morning Gulbahar shopping area, markets in Jaffer-e-Tayyar Housing Society, Sadaat Colony, Drigh Road and Ancholi market remained closed.
Some of the markets opened in the afternoon and resumed their business but pulled down their shutters before sunset.
A protest meeting followed by Majlis Isal-e-Sawab was held at the Ancholi Imambargah in the evening.
Activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had extended their heartfelt condolence over the sectarian violence and had supported the protest. MQM Chief Altaf Hussain had already condemned sectarian killings in Quetta on Ashura.
The tense atmosphere in the city, however, did not affect vehicular traffic, normal functioning of offices and schools. Industrial and business activities remained normal.

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