KARACHI, Sept 30: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement on Monday accused the rival Mohajir Qaumi Movement activists of attacking and killing innocent people in the alleged attempt on Muttahida candidates in Orangi on Sunday and demanded Gen Pervez Musharraf to take immediate action against those responsible for the incident.

Speaking at a news conference at the Karachi Press Club, Deputy Convener of the MQM Dr. Farooq Sattar who was flanked by Shoaib Bukhari and Kunwar Khalid Yunus, accused the rival faction of creating the so-called “no-go areas” in Orangi.

It was the handiwork of those who believe in power through barrel of the gun and who were rejected by the Karachiites in 1993 and 1997 elections. He claimed that the Muttahida wants to change the oppressive feudal system through ballot.

He said if Muttahida’s candidates were not allowed to campaign freely, the elections would not be transparent and free.

Narrating the details of the incident in Orangi on Sunday, in which a police department employee was killed, Dr Sattar said when his party candidates Maulana Firozuddin Rahman, Abdul Quddoos and Anwar Alam and workers were on their way to inaugurate an election office, “they were attacked by the terrorists”.

He said five Muttahida workers, including Mohammad Shafqat, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Aqil, Mohammad Salman and Mohammad Qasim and a supporter Mohammad Aftab sustained injuries, with a woman. Ghulam Husain Multani died as a result of the firing.

MQM leaders appealed to the Election Commission, national and international human rights organisations and observers of the European Commission to take notice of the situation and appealed to the MQM workers to remain calm and peaceful.

He also expressed sorrow and grief over the killing of Ghulam Hussain, who was killed by terrorists.

He alleged that agencies were abetting the rival faction and claimed that if the establishment desired and withdrew its support, such incidents could be checked.