Sectarian outfits' offices in Pak. sealed

ISLAMABAD AUG. 15. Within hours of the Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, announcing his Government's decision to ban two militant sectarian outfits, the provincial Punjab Government today sealed and cordoned the office of Shia extremist militant Sipah-e-Mohhamad in Lahore.

Reports quoting police sources from Lahore said the provincial administration initiated the crackdown after Gen. Musharraf banned it along with the Majority Sunni extremist outfit, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, for indulging in sectarian violence.

Reports said there were raids in a number of places in the province to arrest activists of both the religio-political parties. The police have also sealed the office and residence of Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan (TJP) chief, Mr. Allama Sajid Naqvi. The TJP is the leading Shia religious political outfit in Pakistan.

Gen. Musharraf's announcement to ban the two sectarian outfits and putting two others on notice has been widely welcomed by the civil society. Most of the newspapers carried the report as the lead story of the day and called it a bold step.

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Section  : International
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