Sindh nationalists observe strike to condemn firing at rally that killed 17

Karachi: Sindhi nationalists, supported by other parties, yesterday observed a strike to condemn the firing on Tuesday at a rally and a shootout that killed at least 17 people including two women.

Karachi University and Intermediate boards of Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas cancelled their examination to avoid any incidents and private schools were also remained closed.

In different cities of the province, the shops and markets remained largely closed on the call of Awami Party whose rally came under attack on Tuesday.

Jeeye Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) also joined the strike as they were protesting the mysterious murder of their leader Muzaffar Bhutto, who was kidnapped a few months ago and later his tortured body was found on a highway.

Driver killed

Witnesses said the cities of Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Dadu, Jamshoro, Larkana, Sukkur, Thatta, Badin and other districts remained largely closed because of the strike. Traffic was also thin in those cities as a truck was overnight set on fire which also killed the driver on National Highway near Nawabshah.

Karachi normal

In Karachi, the situation remained normal, though old city area was closed after some unknown gunmen fired gunshots that spread fear among the residents of the old city area.

Meanwhile, provincial chief minister Qaim Ali Shah presided over meeting at his office to review the law and order situation and ordered an inquiry by a High Court judge to punish the culprits.

The rally of Awami Party was fired at on Tuesday and later unknown gunmen started firing in different parts of the old city area killing 17 and injuring 39 others including two media persons. The Sindh government also imposed a ban on political and all kind of public rallies for two months.

Raids

Paramilitary rangers carried out raids overnight in the parts of the old city including Ranchor Lane, Napier Road, Musharraf Colony and rounded up 15 suspects including two target killers, a spokesman said.

He said weapons were also recovered from the arrested people. However, the relatives of those who were picked up by security forces protested outside the rangers office. The rangers resorted to baton charge to dispersed the crowds.