KARACHI: Dozens of rights activists and members of civil society staged a sit-in at the PIDC traffic intersection on Monday as a token of protest over the Shikarpur Imambargah carnage, where more than 55 people were killed, after they failed to reach their destination, CM House, due to roadblocks and scuffles with police personnel.

The sit-in was organised by youngsters and active members of civil society without any particular banner. Their representatives said it was a gesture of protest to show their anger against the Shikarpur incident and condemn the Sindh government which had been ‘in deep slumber of ignorance’.

Also read: Khurshid Shah terms Shikarpur blast 'failure of intelligence agencies'

The protesters scuffled with the police at the PIDC traffic intersection when they tried to march towards CM House but were stopped by a heavy contingent of the law enforcement agency. The protesters were seen arguing with riot police personnel, who were equipped with sticks and teargas guns.

The brief scuffle, however, ended when the protesters agreed to stage a sit-in at the intersection. The situation caused suspension of traffic on Club Road and triggered severe traffic jams on M.T. Khan Road, Abdullah Haroon Road and connecting arteries.

“We have already conveyed the message very loud and clear that the protest outside CM House would not be allowed due to security concerns,” said Inspector Waqar Tanoli, SHO of the Civil Lines police station. “Most of the protesters understood out position, but a few youngsters and other people insisted on moving forward. However, the situation settled down without any untoward incident and they are not staging a sit-in at the PIDC.”

Carrying placards, the protesters chanted slogans condemning the Shikarpur attack and criticised the Sindh government for its poor response to terrorism. They also demanded arrest of leaders of sectarian organisations, who they said were a source of hatred among different sects.

In his video inviting people to the sit-in, activist Mohammad Jibran Nasir, who led the protesters, said the sit-in was not for any political objective but a move to raise awareness of and voice against terrorism.

“And it’s also to let the Sindh government, which is in deep slumber of ignorance, know it,” he said. “During the past five-year rule of the Pakistan People’s Party under Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Karachi alone has witnessed killing of more than 13,000 people in the name of sect, ethnicity and politics. We live in a democratic system and as a common man it’s our right to question their performance.”

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play