SUKKUR: Workers of the Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) took out rallies in Jacobabad and Badin on Friday to protest “targeted killing” of the Shia community members in different parts of the country.

The Jacobabad rally was taken out from Shaheed Allah Bux Park in the city. Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the killing of Shias, the protesters marched on different roads and converged on the local press club, where they held a demonstration and sit-in.

Speaking to them, MWM leaders and activists said there had been no end to the targeted killing of Shia community members in the country. In the most recent incident, they added, Khurram Zaki was killed in Karachi a few days ago.

They also condemned action against peaceful protesters in Gilgit by FC personnel. They vowed to intensify their protests across the country if targeted killing of Shias was not brought to an end.

In Sukkur, a similar rally was organised by the Shia Ulema Council (SUC) which emerged from the Jamia Hussainia Masjid on Military Road and proceeded to the City Point bypass, where a demonstration was held.

Speaking to the participants, SUC leaders said the government had failed to maintain peace in the country as nobody felt secure. A gang of terrorists who had no concern with Islam was targeting peace-loving people, they added.

They urged the government and Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif to ensure arrest of the culprits and strict punishment to them.

In Badin, local MWM activists took out a rally to condemn continued killing of Shias in different parts of the country and inaction on the part of the federal and provincial governments to arrest the culprits.

The rally started from Shahnawaz Chowk and ended outside the local press club. Carrying banners and placards, the protesters raised slogans against terrorists, killers and their handlers.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2016