KARACHI, June 1: Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal has stated that the peaceful strike of Wednesday in the city is a manifestation of the unity of Ummah against its enemies and a vote of no-confidence against the government. On the call of MMA chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad, the voluntary response by people without any coercion or damaging any property is a referendum against the Sindh government and if the rulers had any self-respect they ought to resign.

These views were expressed by MMA leaders Dr Mairajul Huda Siddiqui, Allama Hasan Turabi, Maulana Abdul Karim Abid and Hafiz Muhammad Taqui while addressing a post-strike conference.

They demanded investigation of the murder of Aslam Mujahid, incident of bomb blast in Madinatul Ilm Masjid and burning of restaurant and violence.

Recalling the event in which his car was burnt while returning from the airport after see off to the MMA chief, Mairajul Huda Siddiqui said that the incident took place on the most secured road Sharea Faisal near the office of PPO and police station. The police officials, who were advising to change the direction due to disturbances, disappeared as the rioters reached to torch the car. The gate of police station was also closed, he said, adding that this indifferent attitude of police is owing to open interference from the Governor’s House.

Dr Siddiqui offered condolence to the bereaved families of KFC employees who were burnt to death during the attack on the restaurant. He held the police officials responsible for this tragedy who disappeared from the scene leaving people at the mercy of terrorists.

Demanding release of all workers arrested in connection with the strike, MMA leader said that instead of arresting killers of Aslam Mujahid, was also the vice president of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, the home minister had announced reward of Rs2.5 million for the arrest.

Hafiz Muhammad Taqui referred to the Malir incident where tension had been created among local population last night and said that attempts were being made to trigger Shia-Sunni riots in Karachi to sabotage the MMA movement against desecration and protection of the sanctity of Holy Quran.

“If judiciary failed to do justice and punish the culprits of the murder of Aslam Mujahid and Tahir Jamal, we would be compelled to approach international agencies by inviting their attention towards target killing of opponents of the government,” he said.

Allama Hasan Turabi said that civil administration and police had become hostage in the hands of terrorists therefore the high court should constitute a tribunal to investigate the murder of Aslam Mujahid and suicide attack in Madinatul Ilm Masjid to expose the secret hands behind it.

Maulana Abdul Karim Abid said that the government was responsible for destabilization to divert the attention of people from real issues. “Why were the kidnappers of Aslam Mujahid released?” he questioned.