IF THE ESTABLISHMENT WISH TO CONTINUE WITH STATE OPPRESSION THEN A TIME MIGHT COME WHEN THERE WOULD BE NO PLACE FOR THEM TO HIDE - ALTAF HUSSAIN

Hyderabad - 7 January 2002

Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder and Leader, has said that the Pakistani Establishment, which has until now unleashed a reign of terror upon innocent citizens, is today rejoicing over President Pervez Musharraf's handshake with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, and assuming that General Musharraf has achieved everything after the handshake. Mr Hussain was addressing an Eid Milan Party of MQM Ladies Wing in Hyderabad, Pakistan, which was attended by large number of women workers and supporters.

Speaking on the current situation in the South Asia Region, Mr Hussain said that after the September 11 terrorist attack in the USA, the situation of the region has transformed completely. Those who claimed that no one could bring an end to the Taliban Regime have faced defeat. The Taliban Government has been eradicated, and the malicious efforts of making Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban centres of Sindh, as the base for the so-called religious and jihadi organisations have also been defeated. In addition, along with the Taliban Government, the so-called religious and jihadi organisations have also vanished. Today the Pakistani and Indian Armies are confronting each other at the borders, and war could commence any moment. He asked, where are the leaders and intellectuals of the so-called religious parties who claimed to hoist their flag over the Red Fort and sacrifice their lives for the renaissance of Islam? Mr Altaf Hussain said that the Pakistani Establishment, which has until now unleashed a reign of terror upon its innocent citizens, is today rejoicing over President Pervez Musharraf's handshake with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, and assuming that General Musharraf has achieved everything after the handshake. Mr Hussain said that to hoodwink the world the Establishment has now been compelled to act against its created jihadi organisations and the so-called religious leaders who were once presented as heroes are now being detained. Mr Hussain asked the ladies present that if war breaks out and someone uses the name of Islam and deceptively claims that Islam is in danger for personal gains, then would they be deceived again? The participants replied, "No". Mr Hussain said that in the past the Establishment and its agents have deceived the innocent citizens in the name of Islam but they would no longer be deceived.

Mr Hussain said that if the question is to save the religion or the country then those persons should go to the borders that are paid to defend the borders, make huge amounts in the name of Islam and Pakistan's defence, and accumulate properties. He said that on the one hand, it is feared that war could break any moment, whereas on the other hand, the notorious police officers responsible of the extrajudicial murders of MQM workers and supporters are being reposted in Karachi and Hyderabad to unlawfully arrest MQM workers and supporters. Mr Hussain said that we strongly condemn such acts of oppression and would like to inform the people at the helm of affairs, that if at this critical stage, they wish to continue with State oppression then a time might come when there would be no place for them to hide.

Mr Hussain said that the State Oppression, which commenced on 19 June 1992, is continuing even today. He advised the workers to remain steadfast and have firm belief in the justice system of Almighty Allah. He said that the entire world stand witness and acknowledges that despite State Oppression, MQM could not be crushed. He said that we are on the path of righteousness and Almighty Allah also helps the righteous people.

Mr Hussain said he has received invitations from the Dargahs of Hazrat Khwaja Nizam Uddin AulyaRH and Hazrat Khwaja Moeenuddin ChistiRH and now despite all the propaganda campaign, he shall visit India. He further advised the women workers to be physically and mentally prepare to face any situation, remain steadfast, respect each other and pray to Almighty Allah to accept the sacrifices of the martyrs and rid the Land of Sindh Dharti from the oppression and repression of the Establishment.