LONDON: 4^TH APRIL 2012

Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has deplored the killing and injuring of innocent people in Gilgit in grenade attacks and firing after being taken off from a passenger bus. He said that such vicious attacks were aimed at undermining sectarian harmony.

Mr Hussain said that the terrorists spilling innocent blood in Gilgit were open enemies of the country and making striving to erode unity among Muslims. He said that cruel terrorists were steeped in the darkness of ignorance and did not deserve any leniency.

Mr Hussain appealed to the religious scholars belonging to various schools of thought to come forward and play their role for restoring sectarian harmony, peace and amity in Gilgit. He asked them to foil the conspiracies to undermine peace and order by remaining united.

Mr Hussain extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members of the persons killed in incidents of terrorism and violence in Gilgit and asked them to bear with patience and fortitude. He prayed for the divine forgiveness of the deceased persons and for speedy recovery of the injured.

Mr Hussain stressed upon President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah to take serious notice of the killings of innocent people.

Mr Hussain also called for steps to promote sectarian harmony and establishing peace and tranquility in Gilgit. He said that every effort should be made to bring to justice the elements involved in killings of innocent people.