KARACHI, Dec 14: A large number of men, women and children on Friday took to the main M.A. Jinnah Road where they staged a sit-in against frequent killings on sectarian grounds, demanding an ‘army operation’ against the banned outfits and growing militancy in the city.

The sit-in, which began after Friday prayers, continued into the late evening hours, as the protesters refused to disperse when approached by the police authorities calling it a sit-in for an indefinite period.

The Shia leaders, who led the protest, in their addresses, condemned the killings of people belonging to their community. They said in the recent brutal trend, the killers were seen targeting even women and schoolchildren.

“The security administration has failed to protect the lives and property of Karachi people,” said Maulana Nazir Taqi, senior leader of the Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, which organised the protest with the support of the Jafria Alliance, Shia Ulema Council, Shia Action Committee and Imamia Students Organisation.

Dozens of people killed in recent weeks and the police as well as other law-enforcement failed to make any significant arrest, they said.

The protesters were often given assurances but that never materialised. “So we are here to continue our protest for an indefinite period,” said a speaker.

The leaders demanded an army operation in Karachi that they believed had spun out of police control.

The protesters were also addressed by Maulana Jafar Subhani, who reiterated to continue protest across the country to denounce frequent attacks on sectarian harmony.

Strict security measures and the presence of a large number of protesters at the Numaish traffic intersection badly affected the traffic flow as vehicles were forced to divert to alternative routes, causing traffic congestion in the south district.