FAIZA ALTAF CONDEMNS POLICE BRUTALITIES UPON MEN AND WOMEN OF SINDH

London – 11 April 2001

Mohtarma Faiza Altaf, wife of MQM founder and leader, Mr. Altaf Hussain has issued a statement today from London. Following is the text of her statement:

I strongly condemn the act of barbarism by the police on the 10^th and 11^th April 2001 against the elders, brothers and sisters of MQM and JSQM.

Is demanding for water, a sin a crime or an unlawful act? I pay my tribute to the Urdu Speaking Sindhis and the Sindhi Speaking Sindhis for showing a great act of unity courage and specially the courageous women. My sisters who are standing firm with their brothers for the attainment of the rights of the people of Sindh and for their demand for due share of water by a peaceful hunger strike carried out in front of the Karachi Press Club.

I am proud of the daughters of Sindh for making a new history and setting a new example for the oppressed nations of Pakistan.

The Punjabi establishment carry out the reign of barbarism and terror on those who demand and ask for the rights of Sindh. The para-military rangers should show their strength and manpower in the defence of the borders and go back to their barracks.

The atrocities carried out by the police evidently show that they will never give the rights to Sindh. The women and elders were brutally beaten, dragged and humiliated at which my heart cried tears of blood. The way they manhandled respected leaders and women is a disgrace and shame for the whole nation. If the police and rangers are so strong they must use this force for the liberation of Kashmir rather than unleashing a violent and brutal act upon the elders, sisters, mothers, daughters and children of Sindh who are only asking and demanding the rights of Sindh.

I assure my elders, my brothers and sisters that all my prayers and full support are with them and together we shall attain the rights of Sindh.