MQM Chief Altaf Hussain. — File photo

KARACHI: Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday said elements using inflammatory language against Urdu-speakers of Sindh must be restrained, DawnNews reported.

In a video message, Hussain appealed to President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, DG ISI Lt. General Zaheerul Islam, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Home Minister Manzoor Wassan to “restrain elements using inflammatory language against a segment of population.”

He warned if elements using “fiery language were not stopped, things might slip away from my hands, and people might take matters in their own hands.”

He said “fire of hate and prejudice is being ignited in Sindh under a planned conspiracy. So-called nationalist elements and certain political leaders hailing from Sindh are using provocative and foul language against Urdu-speaking people of the province”.

“There are talks about turning the Indus into a river of blood,” he added.

Hussain said MQM had always tried to “douse fire of hate and prejudice being set ablaze in Sindh by conciliatory gestures. MQM had publicly asserted in large gatherings that MQM was against division of Sindh. Despite this, so-called nationalist elements and some political leaders were repeatedly saying that Sindh would be soaked in blood if there was any talk about its division.”

“It was also being threatened that certain areas would be plunged into carnage and bloodshed,” said the MQM chief.

the party chief warned such elements, by saying “Urdu-speaking people could not be subjugated by such tactics. They should know it was 21st century and their power would be put to test when the time came. I would not tire from preaching peace, unity but if Urdu-speakers became tired of hearing appeals of peace, solidarity, my preaching would become useless.”

He appealed to people to bear with patience, fortitude and hold back their emotions.

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