Altaf Hussain is struggling for the rights of oppressed people – I. K. Gujral
Altaf Hussain meets with former Indian Prime Minister I. K. Gujral in New Delhi

New Delhi: 13 November 2004
Former Prime Minister of India, Mr. Inder Kumar Gujral said that the way Mahatama Gandhi struggled for the independence of the people of Sub-continent and changed the medieval thinking of people into a positive thinking, Altaf Hussain is the only leader and intellectual in Sub-continent, who is not only struggling for the attainment of the rights of oppressed people but is building positive thinking of the people of the region. Mr. I.K. Gujral expressed this during his meeting with Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) on Friday at his residence. Mr. M. Anwar, member of MQM’s Central Co-ordination Committee was also present in the meeting. Mr. Gujral stated that I admire you. Former Prime Minister further said that I individually admire you for the courage and determination you have demonstrated during the time, when not only you and your nation was facing oppression from all sides but your family was victimised as well, so you do not underestimate yourself.

Mr. I. K. Gujral said that when I was in Pakistan as election observer during the tenure of Benazir Bhutto, I was told that MQM was finished, but the results of the elections changed the perception of all the international observers and elections monitoring teams. Mr. Gujral hailed the well-determined struggle of MQM leader Altaf Hussain and said that, the way you kept your nation united through telephonic addresses there is no such example in the history of the world even though now some people are using this practice of telephonic addresses. Your telephonic addresses are illustrations of your truth, otherwise why hundreds of thousands of people would come to listen to telephonic addresses.

Mr. I. K. Gujral said that when I was elected Prime Minister of India, I had mentioned in my statement to the Indian legislators that this is charisma of Indian democracy that a Mohajir, who migrated to India is elected as Prime Minister and it has eliminated all sorts of discrimination. He further stated that I assure you that the steps taken by MQM to improve relationship between India and Pakistan have full support of all the Indian politicians and people.  Mr. Altaf Hussain hailed Mr. Gujral’s views and said that people of India and Pakistan have suffered very much due to the three wars between the both countries and both the countries should learn from the initiatives of European Union. The MQM leader further said that President Pervaiz Musharaf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz of Pakistan are very liberal in their thinking and they are sincere for friendship with India. Mr. Altaf Hussain said that MQM believes in serving people irrespective of their cast, creed, sex, colour, culture, language, religion and belief and MQM’s elected legislators include people from all walks of life including representatives of religious minorities and Sindhi speaking Sindhis.  He further said that as a result of MQM’s struggle, sense of awareness has aroused in the middle and lower middle class people of the Sindh province and the oppressed people including religious minorities have started gathering under MQM’s banner. During the meeting of more than one hour between the two leaders, matters of mutual interest were discussed including opening of Khokhrapar-Monabao borders, restoration of visa services in Karachi, opening of Indian consulate in Karachi, ferry service between Karachi and Mumbai, easing visa obtaining system, visa exemption for the people of over sixty years of age, better relationship between India and Pakistan and many other issues. Mr. Gujral assured that not only him but all the political parties of India support his initiatives on these issues.

Later on, Mr. Altaf Hussain presented Mr. Gujral, the Sindh’s cultural shawl (Ajrak) and Mr. Gujral reciprocated with his books to Mr. Altaf Hussain. Mr. Hussain greeted Mr. Gujral on the religious occasion of Deepawali and Mr. Gujral felicitated in advance for Eid-ul-Fitr.

Altaf Hussain hails Indian move

New Delhi – 13 November 2004:
Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has welcomed Dr. Manmohan Singh’s announcement to reduce Indian troops in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. According to Indian Prime Minister’s statement on Thursday, “the government has decided to reduce the deployment of troops this winter in the State”.

Mr. Altaf Hussain hailed Dr. Singh’s initiative and he further said that this would help restoring peace and strengthening friendship, not only between India and Pakistan but also in the region. He hoped that meaningful dialogue would continue in the right direction for a sustainable relationship between India and Pakistan.