Pak. takes serious view of MQM leader's speech

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 19 The military government in Pakistan has taken serious note of the utterances of the MQM leader, Mr. Altaf Hussain, questioning the validity of the two-nation theory and the basis of creation of Pakistan.

A meeting of the Cabinet presided over by the Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, on Wednesday night directed the Interior Minister, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moinuddin Haider, to prepare a note on the subject and consider stern action against `anti- state elements'.

The Government's direction has come as a surprise as the `objectionable speech' was made by Mr. Altaf Hussain at a rally in London more than a month ago. The reported comment of Mr. Hussain, who lives in exile in London, that partition was a big blunder and Muslims who had migrated to Pakistan had got nothing caused a stir in media and political circles in Pakistan. However, the Musharraf Government chose to maintain silence on the contents of the speech.

There were a number of commentaries in the press that the provocative observations of Mr. Altaf Hussain only revived the memories of 1971 that witnessed dismemberment of Pakistan and birth of Bangladesh. Besides, the publication of the supplementary report of the Hamoodur Rehman Report by an Indian magazine lent further credence to theories of possibility of another 71.

It appears that the Musharraf Government chose to ignore the fulmination of Mr. Altaf Hussain, as it did not want to open another front when it is confronted with serious problems. The MQM is known for its street power and Mr. Hussain continues to enjoy tremendous clout among those who had migrated from India. The growing concern within and outside the Government on the implications of the utterances of Mr. Hussain appears to have forced Gen. Musharraf to send a signal that thus far and no further. What has made matters delicate for the military government is the visit of a MQM delegation to New Delhi last month. During its stay in New Delhi the delegation not only repeated the statements of Mr. Hussain but also went a step further and urged the Indian Muslims to spare a thought for their brethren in the neighbouring country.

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Section  : International
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