KARACHI, May 8: Tension prevailed in Landhi on Thursday following the arrest of two activists of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement late Wednesday night.

Youths set two minibuses of routes F-11 and S on fire in Landhi No 1 and No 3. Since early Thursday morning most places in Landhi were in the grip of tension as youths pelted passing vehicles with stones.

The police said both the buses were completely destroyed as fire-tenders stayed away from the area.

A spokesman for the fire department, however, said the police declined to provide escort to fire-engines into the affected areas.

Shops and markets remained closed till afternoon. Some commercial activities resumed in the late afternoon after the police gave an assurance that Ajmal Shafqat and his associate Sohail Anjum would be released soon, a spokesman for the Mohajir Qaumi Movement told Dawn.

Late Wednesday night, the police took into custody Ajmal Shafqat, brother of the chairman of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement, together with Sohail Anjum. The latter was a candidate in the Sindh assembly polls from Korangi in the general elections held in October last year.

Both men were arrested at Ajmal Shafqat’s house in Landhi No 6. The arrests created tension in the area. Women supporters of the MQM besieged Landhi police station demanding their release.

According to unconfirmed reports, the police resorted to baton charge on women protesters. No police official was available for comments.

Ajmal Shafqat was recently released from jail after four months. He was booked under the MPO.