HYDERABAD: A complete shutdown was observed in the rural areas of Sindh in response to a call given by the Sindh Taraqqi-Pasand Party for a province-wide strike on Friday against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s demand for creating more administrative units in the province for a better governance.

The STP believes that the demand was aimed at dividing Sindh and accused MQM chief Altaf Hussain of working on a plan that will ultimately lead to division of Sindh on ethnic lines.

All markets, shops, educational institutions and fuel stations remained closed in Qasimabad and some other parts of Hyderabad district but a partial strike was observed the remaining areas. Latifabad remained unaffected by the call.

The STP organised protest rallies and burnt tyres at Naseem Nagar Chowk and near the central jail. The participants also raised slogans against division of Sindh and vowed to foil any such designs.

The University of Sindh postponed the papers that were scheduled to be held at government and private colleges on Friday in view of the strike call.

The complete shutdown strike was also observed in Jamshoro, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar and Bhitsahah while a partial strike was observed in Hala town of Matiari district.

Acting STP chairman Jam Abdul Fatah Samejo and other central leaders in a statement issued in Hyderabad in the evening expressed their gratitude over the overwhelming response of masses in Sindh to the strike call, and declared the MQM an anti-Sindhi party. They urged the PPP to part ways with the MQM.

SUKKUR: A partial strike was observed in Sukkur city but a complete shotdown was observed other parts of the district.

The strike also remained successful in Jacobabad, Ghotki and Kadhkot-Kashmore district.

Fuel stations across the upper Sindh region remained closed due to which public and private transport remained off the road and intercity routes also wore a deserted look.

In Thull town, police dispersed a group of STP activists who were forcing shopkeepers to pull down the shutters. Firing into the air during the clash was also reported and police said three activists were picked up. They were identified as Asghar Lashari, Mehar Lashari and Sajid Buriro.

LARKANA: A strike was observed in Larkana and Qambar-Shahdadkot districts in response to the STP call.

All trade centres and filling stations remained closed while STP activists led by Tarique Jatoi, Yasir Shaikh took out a rally and held demonstrations outside the local press club and at Jinnahbagh Chowk.

NAWABSHAH: Nawabshah and all other cities and towns of the Shaheed Benazirabad district remained closed in response to the STP strike call.

No markets, bazaars and commercial centres opened in the morning and vehicular traffic on roads remained thin.

STP activists also took out a rally and held a protest demonstration outside the local press club.

BADIN: A complete strike was observed in all small and big towns of Badin district where shops, trade centres and commercial areas wore a deserted look throughout the day.

A shutdown was also observed in Matli, Tando Bago, Golarchi, and Khoski towns.

UMERKOT: A complete shutdown was observed across the district and rallies and demonstrations were held in Umerkot, Pithoro, Samaro, Kunri, Dhoronaro and other towns.

MITHI: Mithi, Diplo, Islamkot, Nagarparkar, Chelhar, Chhachhro, Kaloi and Kantio towns of Tharparkar district remained completely closed on Friday on the STP call.STP activists took out a protest rally which marched through the streets of Mithi.

The participants raised slogans against division of Sindh and vowed to frustrate any move in this direction.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2014