Altaf terms bomb blasts anti-Sindh conspiracy

By A Reporter
Daily Dawn
30 May 2004

HYDERABAD, May 29: MQM leader Altaf Hussain on Saturday termed the recent bomb blasts in Karachi part of an anti-Sindh conspiracy, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement would resist attempts to federalise the port city, or separate it from Sindh.

The MQM leader told an intellectuals' meeting at Sindh Museum here that Karachi was an integral part of the province. The meeting was arranged by the Graduate Forum.

Altaf expressed indignation at the jihadi organizations, which, according to him, were intentionally trying to disrupt the country's economy by destabilizing Sindh instead of concentrating on their headquarter cities.

Accusing the jihadi elements of spreading hatred among different segments of the society, Mr Altaf Hussain said their (the jihadis') gameplan was to place Karachi under the federal control, which the MQM would not allow.

He said the salvation of the country lay in democracy and complete provincial autonomy, adding that a lose federation, on the pattern of the system followed in the US, the UK and many other countries, alone could prevent frustration and disappointments among the people of smaller provinces.

Stressing the need to address disparities and discontentment, the MQM leader said the frustration, now vividly being expressed by smaller provinces, Sindh included, might lead to the an end result that would be too disastrous.

Altaf Hussain urged the National Finance Commission to accept Sindh's demand for sharing of resources on the basis of revenue generation.

The MQM leader said that the central government should stop the construction of controversial projects like Kalabagh dam and Thal canal, till such time a unanimous consent was sought from the Sindh Assembly.