Curbs on MQM
2016-10-26
S various factions and spin-offs of the MQM struggle to portray themselves as the `genuine` representatives of urban Sindh, it is clear the security establishment is in no mood to tolerate what is being called `MQM-London`, better known as the pro-Altaf Hussain faction. On Saturday, the Rangers hauled away three Karachi-based leaders of the pro-Altaf group from the city`s press club, scuttling plans by the party to address a news conference.
The paramilitaries had taken up positions outside the Karachi Press Club, sealing approaches to the building. On Oct 15, the Rangers were also present outside the KPC at an MQM-London press talk; on that occasion, the men in uniform allowed the event to go ahead, though they kept a close eye on visitors to the KPC. Such tactics are unacceptable; in fact restrictions such as these on activities within the KPC were not even used during Gen Ziaul Haq`s dictatorship.
On Sunday, Sindh government officials said the three MQM leaders were being held for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance as `their activities were prejudicial to the public peace and order`. Pro-Altaf cadres have also been picked up from Hyderabad while some of the faction`s offices have been demolished by the authorities.
These actions of the state are unacceptable primarily because it is undemocratic to disallow a political party from carrying out lawful activities, such as holding press talks or taking out rallies. The fact is that there is as yet no ban on MQM-London. So why the restrictions? In fact, a Sindh High Court bench, in response to a petition, called on law enforcers to `act strictly in accordance with the law` in the matter of the arrest of another pro-Altaf leader. Indeed, Altaf Hussain`s Aug 22 speech may well have crossed the boundaries of legitimate free expression as is often enough witnessed in the MQM supremo`s case while the party`s history of using violence as a political tool is quite well known. Yet the authorities, instead of crushing the MQM`s political activities, need to bring evidence of wrongdoing to court. Using high-handed tactics to clamp down on the pro-Altaf faction will only strengthen its narrative of victimhood and may alienate ordinary supporters from the state. The MQM should be allowed to carry out legitimate political activities, while any evidence of illegality must be produced in court. Come election time, the people of Karachi can decide who best represents them.