Sindh observes shutterdown strike

HYDERABAD: A shutterdown strike is being observed across Sindh against the murder of Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM)) leader Muzaffar Bhutto and an attack on the Awami Tehreek’s (AT) ‘Mohabbat-e-Sindh’ rally which left 12 people dead on Tuesday.

All major markets, including Resham Gali, Bunder Road and Shahi Bazaar, remained closed while transport was also thin on roads.

Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) Secretary General Muzaffar Bhutto, who went missing on February 24, 2011, was found dead here in the limits of Chalgari police station on Tuesday.

The bullet-riddled body, also bearing torture marks, was dumped in bushes at Shah Bukhari in Chalgari. Police shifted the body to the Civil Hospital, Hyderabad, where he was identified by the JSMM workers and his brother, Sikander Bhutto. Later, the body was handed over to the family.

In reaction to his murder, aerial firing was reported in parts of Sindh and vehicles were set on fire. The party announced 10 days of mourning and a strike across the province today.

Enraged activists of the JSQM and JSSF held protests, burnt tyres and blocked roads besides chanting slogans against the government.

Acting JSQM Chairman Dr Niaz Kalani, Habib Bhutto and others condemned the incident and claimed the killing was state terrorism. They also condemned the killings in Karachi and demanded immediate arrest of elements involved in the violence.

Several parts of Sindh, including Sehwan, Khairpur Nathan Shah, New Saeedabad and Tharo Shah remained closed against the murder of Muzaffar Bhutto. The JSMM activists set on fire two trucks.

A driver named Asghar was burnt to death when unknown men set a trailer on fire in Aliabad near Nawabshah.

Hundreds of workers and leaders of the Awami Tehreek, including women and children, also protested and observed a sit-in against the attack on peaceful rally of the Awami Tehreek at Karachi.