Strike against restoration of LB system on call of nationalist parties observed in Sindh

Strike was observed in Sindh on the call of nationalist parties against the restoration local body system of 2001 here on Monday.

Sindhi Nationalists organizations carried out rallies against the local body system in various parts of the province.

The life in several cities of Interior Sindh paralyzed as business centers remained closed and traffic remained off the roads.

Partial strike was observed in Hyderabad and Sukkur as well with low attendance in offices and schools.

Larkana and Noushehro Feroz observed complete strike with shops closed and transport missing. Also, lawyers in Noushehro Feroz are on courts’ boycott. At least 12 political activists have been arrested for protesting in the city.

In Dadu complete strike with roads deserted was observed. District Benazirabad Nawabshah also witnessed the strike in full swing with police contingents patrolling the roads. The same situation of absolute strike was observed in Thatta with shops closed down.

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Addressing a press conference, chief of the Sindh chapter of Awami National Party Shahi Syed said the decision showed that the PPP had given in to the MQM demands for division of Sindh along ethnic lines.

The head of Awami Tehkeek Ayaz Palejo said, “they will protest against the system until the decision is not withdrawn while the protest campaign will be continue from August 8 t0 20“.

He said that the LB system has done nothing for the masses, adding that no progress has been made in Hyderabad and Karachi and tall claims made by MQM are false, adding that the killing of innocents in target killings is not sign of progress.

He said that more than 15,000 people have been killed in Karachi during the recent years.

He said that nationalist parties would not allow anyone to exploit the rights of the masses.

In Hyderabad, angry crowds burnt tyres and blocked the roads in Qasimabad and Latifabad areas. They also pelted stones on shops. Police immediately reached and took control of the situation.

In protest against the restoration of local government systems, lawyers boycotted the Sukkur High Court bench and lower courts. They also took out rallies. There was a complete strike in Sukker’s Shahi Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Shaheed Ganj and Cloth Market; meanwhile complete strike was observed in Khair Pur against the restoration of local bodies system. 

At least six vehicles were burnt down in Karachi during the strike against restoration of LB system; meanwhile several persons were also injured in the result of violent incidents in Karachi.

Earlier, the LG system was restored for only Karachi and Hyderabad; however, Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan issuing another ordinance late Monday night, extended LG system across the province. SANA