THERE is no doubt that the truth behind the Baldia fire tragedy of 2012 — in which 258 workers perished — needs to emerge. While it is bad enough that the inferno was billed as one of the nation’s worst industrial disasters, the fact that the fire may have been caused deliberately is particularly disturbing. In this regard, the startling revelations about the incident made in court on Friday need to be thoroughly verified and cross-checked. According to a report, compiled by the joint investigation team probing the tragedy, filed with the Sindh High Court, a statement from the Rangers claims that individuals associated with the MQM deliberately set the factory on fire. As per information gleaned from a suspect — allegedly a Muttahida worker — by the paramilitary force, the factory was set on fire as its owners refused to pay extortion money. The report says a “party high official”, through a front man, had demanded Rs200m in extortion money; when the owners did not pay the building was set on fire using chemical substances. These are very serious allegations and cannot be taken lightly. But before jumping to any conclusions we must realise that this claim is based on the ‘confession’ of just one individual who was picked up by the Rangers. A more detailed investigation is needed to reach the facts in this case. It is hoped scientific investigation methods are used to uncover the truth behind the inferno.

The onus now lies on the MQM to disprove the allegation and clear its name as the party or its activists have been accused of strong-arm tactics in the past. In fact, Muttahida chief Altaf Hussain himself has publicly lashed out at “corrupt and unwanted” elements within the party. In 2013 he had said there was a ban on party workers collecting ‘donations’, and that there was no room for land grabbers within the Muttahida’s ranks. The Coordination and Karachi Tanzeemi committees have also been shaken up in the recent past; the latter outfit was believed to have become too powerful even by some party members. Despite the MQM’s efforts at internal cleansing, the stigma caused by the activities of ‘unwanted elements’ remains, and the party will have to make a greater effort — especially in light of the latest allegations — to root out such forces. The fact is the Muttahida is a major player in Sindh’s politics, as well as nationally, and cannot afford to have black sheep within its fold.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2015

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