KARACHI, April 11 Most parts of Lyari Town remained tense on Saturday on the second day of mourning called by Baloch nationalist parties to protest against the killings of Baloch nationalist leaders in Turbat.
Shops, markets, bazaars and educational institutions remained closed as a mark of protest against the brutal murders. The general public also remained off the roads.
Baloch-dominated areas in the locality including Baghdadi, Kalri, Shah Beg Lane, Chawkiwara, Rangiwara, Nawa Lane and Singoo lane all appeared deserted on Saturday.
Angry protesters pelted vehicles with stones in different areas, while others lit bonfires on roads. Panic and terror gripped parts of Baghdadi, Shah Beg Lane and the areas surrounding Haat chowk, where gunshots were heard.
A complete shutter-down strike was also observed on Saturday in several other Baloch-dominated areas of the city.
Shops and other businesses remained closed in different parts of Saddar Town, including Kharadar and Lea Market. Businesses on Jehangir Road and in Dalmia and Malir also remained shut.
Official sources confirmed that life was paralysed in some parts of Lyari due to disturbances, as some groups of young men pelted passing vehicles with stones. They said the police reached the troubled areas and controlled the situation in a timely manner.
An attempt was also made by some youths to block the movement of vehicular traffic on Mauripur Road, but they fled after police personnel reached the scene.
Saturday was the second day of mourning being observed in the Baloch-populated areas of Karachi. There is strong resentment in these areas against the killing of the Baloch leaders in Turbat. Nationalist leaders have put the blame for the deaths squarely on the shoulders of “government agencies”. Some have demanded a UN inquiry into the matter.
Meanwhile, a wheel jam strike will be observed on Sunday. The strike call was issued by Baloch nationalist parties. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has also endorsed the call and strongly condemned the murders of Baloch leaders.
