HYDERABAD: A complete strike was observed in the urban areas of Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, and Shaheed Benazi­rabad districts on Sunday in response to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement call for protest over what it described as the insulting remarks by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah against Mohajirs (immigrants).

The MQM had called for observance of a ‘black day’ across the country and urged the businessman community and transport operators to keep their businesses shut on Sunday.

In Hyderabad and Latifabad, a strike was observed in the city and black flags were hoisted atop houses, buildings and at other places while MQM workers wore black armbands.

All shopping malls, bazaars and markets remained closed and vehicular traffic off the road. Protesters burnt tyres and garbage on thoroughfares to express their anger over Mr Shah’s remarks.

Graffiti calling for a Mohajir province appeared in many localities of Hyderabad and Latifabad.

Qasimabad and some areas of the rural Hyderabad, however, remained unaffected by the strike call, which received a mixed response in Tandojam.

SUKKUR: While a complete shutdown was observed in Sukkur city, a partial strike was observed in all other cities and towns of the district.

Shops and stalls in main markets and bazaars of the city including Shahi Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Frere Road, Jinnah Chowk, Bunder Road, Anaj Bazaar, Liaquat Chowk, Nishter Road etc did not open in the morning.

Public transport in the city also stayed off the road.

The strike call in Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Khairpur and other district was by and large ignored.

NAWABSHAH: Nawabshah city witnessed a total closure on Sunday on the MQM call as shops in the Trunk bazaar, Kutchehry Road, Bucheri Road, Chakra Bazaar, Lal Building Road, Masjid Road, Hospital Road, Mohni Bazaar, Liaquat Market, Cloth Market, Mobile Market and Sarafa Bazaar areas remained closed throughout the day.

The strike remained ineffective in Sakrand and Qazi Ahmed.

MIRPURKHAS: A complete strike was observed in the city and many towns of the district on Sunday.

Black flags appeared on MQM offices and at other places overnight and party activists were seen wearing black armbands.

No transport means were available in the city and its surrounding areas. Intercity routes also wore a deserted look.

A shutdown was observed in Mirwah Gorchani, Digri, Tando Jan Mohammed, Jhuddo, Naokot, Jhilori, Kot Ghulam Mohammed, Sindhri and Hingorno towns.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2014