QUETTA/ISLAMABAD  - Scuffles broke out Wednesday as the Hazara community buried the 113 victims of a second major bomb attack in five weeks, which has highlighted the government’s inability to stem sectarian violence.
Members of the Hazara community and relatives of the Kirani Road victims began the burials in Hazara Town graveyard after ending their sit-in in front of the Governor’s House that began on Saturday. The burials were attended by a large number of people, but were marred by a shooting that the Quetta deputy commissioner narrowly escaped.
A massive contingent of security forces rushed and tried to pacify young mourners by resorting to aerial firing. These young mourners also exchanged fire with police. Reports said they resisted the burial of their kin and called for an army action against militants. Nevertheless, the annoying situation triggered a stampede.
Shia leaders called off a three-day nationwide protest demanding army protection after the government promised those responsible would be arrested in a “targeted operation” and relatives of the dead compensated. But for many of the mourners, the deal was insufficient.
Meanwhile, life returned to normalcy and routine activities were restored as demos were called off across country.
The PM meanwhile dispatched a C-130 airplane to shift nearly 40 injured of the blast to Karachi for treatment.