DHA and Clifton, the port city’s posh areas, have always been assumed to be the most peaceful parts of the highly-volatile city. The markets, shopping centres and the shops here usually remain open even at times when other parts of the metropolis are experiencing restlessness. The law enforcers neglect the posh areas when it comes to watertight security for the port city during political turmoil because of the fact that the majority of the residents living in these areas are considered apolitical.
The area residents saw security protocols of VIPs from time to time, but they never saw any unusual security arrangements. However, the situation changed after Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)’s disgruntled leader Mustafa Kamal’s presser, in which he leveled accusations against the party’s chief Altaf Hussain that he had directed his activists several times to create restlessness in DHA and Clifton areas.
After Kamal’s outburst, the paramilitary Rangers took over security control of DHA and Clifton. Now, if you visit DHA and Clifton you may see heavy deployment of the federal force on the busiest roundabouts and the traffic signals.
However, Sindh Rangers spokesman Major Sibtain claimed that the deployment in DHA and Clifton areas was made three weeks ago. Rejecting reports of Rangers beefing up security for the former mayor upon his comeback, he claimed that the arrangements were not made for Kamal and maintained that Kamal didn’t request the paramilitary force to secure his life and property.
Besides the Rangers deputation, Kamal’s neighbours have reported unusual activity in area. They claimed to have spotted some ‘shady characters’ on the way leading towards the former mayor’s residence since his arrival earlier this week. Requesting anonymity, Kamal’s neighbours complained of privacy breach by the law enforcers.
They claimed that unidentified security officials installed Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras outside their residences, and questioned them about their family members and political affiliations.
“A security official knocked on my door and asked for details of my family members,” a scared resident of the area said. “After taking my details, the security man asked me which party I voted for in the 2013 general elections.”
During the visit of Kamal’s residence, a company of private security guards was seen performing their duty along with the local police. The visitors were allowed in the bungalow after a thorough check.
“We didn’t install any CCTV camera in Kamal’s neighbourhood,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Dr Jameel claimed. “Karachi police deployed two mobiles along with personnel outside Kamal’s residence for his security,” Jameel maintained.
Dr Jameel confirmed that the CCTV cameras were installed in the neighbourhood and the arteries leading towards Kamal’s house. But he maintained that the police did not install the surveillance devices and that the control and monitoring of CCTV cameras was not carried out by the police either.
When he was asked if the deployment of police outside Kamal’s house was made at the former mayor’s request, the DIG said that the security was issued to him after he addressed a press conference and claimed threats to his life from his opponents.
