A DEMAND FOR AUTONOMOUS STATUS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 1940 RESOLUTION WILL BE THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN DEPRIVED OF THEIR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS -
ALTAF HUSSAIN
London... 4 January 2006
The MQM leader Mr. Altaf Hussain stated that the fundamental rights of the people have to be respected. The acts of suppression by force, denial of rights and injustices will further weaken the federation. He was talking to a delegation of Baluch students in Britain led by National Party leader Khalid Lango, in the International Secretariat, London. He pointed out that the MQM has always called a spade a spade and does not trade on principles. He assured the delegates that MQM is raising voice against atrocities in Baluchistan, in venues of Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad. One has to understand that in 21st century the solution of human problems does not lie in the use of force.
The military action should, therefore cease forthwith and a process of dialogue should commence urgently. Mr. Hussain asked the government to allow the necessities of life and medicines to pass through the blockade and let the MQM workers take the medicines and food stuff into the affected areas. The injustices and atrocities only weaken the federation. The genuine demands of the people must be addressed effectively. If a reconciliatory posture is not adopted the situation will only worsen and the people will be forced to demand for autonomous status in accordance with the 1940 Lahore Resolution. The leader of Baluch students’ delegation Mr. Khalid Lango highly appreciated the courageous stand adopted by Mr. Altaf Hussain on the action in Baluchistan. He also assured Mr. Hussain that the people of BALUCHISTAN view this with great admiration and respect and they will never forget this favour. He also hoped that the MQM will continue to raise its voice against injustice and for the rights of the down trodden people of the country. Mr. Altaf Hussain reassured the delegates that he considers this his duty and in accordance with the MQM philosophy of ‘realism’- I am striving for the rights of the people and have no desire for the offices of the President or the Prime Minister. He said that it is an encouraging omen that the youth are getting united for the attainment of their rights. Mr. Hussain, along with all the delegates and those present at the International Secretariat prayed for the souls and salvation of those killed in the operation in Baluchistan . Finally, the delegates thanked Mr. Altaf Hussain and paid their respects in the form of Baloch traditional turban and vest coat.
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