Oman : We are Not Against Sultan - Protestors


Oman : We are Not Against Sultan - Protestors
 
MUSCAT, Mar 1 (Times of Oman) : Over 400 protestors staged a demonstration for five-hours at a stretch in front of the Majlis Al Shura building in Seeb yesterday, demanding the government to draft a new constitution and seeking the trial of the ROP chief for the firing on the protestors in Sohar on Sunday.
“We need a new constitution, an official apology from the authorities concerned to the family of the people who died in Sohar firing and more power to Majlis Al Shura,” said Basma Al Kiyumi, a demonstrator, adding the government should sack the corrupt ministers and set up a better social welfare system.

Citizens of all age groups and from all walks of life took part in the peaceful protest. “Providing unemployment allowances and 50,000 jobs will not pacify us. There are other serious issues which have to be dealt with. We need social justice and equality. So we are sticking to our new demands,” she added.
Assurance

“If the police had handled the situation in Sohar wisely then the mishap would not have happened. The policemen are the main culprits. They should be tried in court,” she demanded.

The protestors also tried to enter the Majlis building to hold talks with the Majlis members, but the security personnel stopped them at the gate. The protestors were shouting slogans against the police and some ministers. They were also carrying placards saying ‘No to Corruption’ and ‘Enough is Enough’ in English and Arabic.

A few Majlis members came out of the building and assured the protestors that they will convey their grievances to the authorities concerned.

The Majlis members also supported the citizens’ rights to hold peaceful protests and air their grievances.
“We are not against His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. We are against corrupt ministers and the rude and arrogant police. We are not against the government. We are demanding equality and justice,” Khaleel Mohammed, another protestor, said.

The demonstrators gathered at the Majlis building after getting messages on mobile phones and social networking sites.

“We come from different strata of the society. But here, we all are one,” said Mohammed Saleh Al Ma’amari, a protestor.

There were employed and unemployed youngsters among the protestors. Some are still studying and some others are looking for “a decent livelihood”.

The demonstrators said that they will continue the protests till their demands are met.

“Even if it takes a year or two, we will be here till our demands are met,” they added.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Pradeep Farias, kallianpur/Melbourne

    Wed, Mar 02 2011

    I lived in Muscat 14 years with my family before moving to Melbourne. That was such an awesome experience. I have great respect for Omani people and thier leader HM Sultan Qaboos. Living in Oman was so peaceful and enjoyable, we never felt that we were foriegners, never mistreated by Omanis nor looked down at us. I miss Oman and my Omani friends. I pray, let Omani people live in peace and prosperity and long live HM Sultan Qaboos. Let God give him wisdom and grace to solve present issues.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Suresh, Udupi/Muscat

    Tue, Mar 01 2011

    Wow .... very happy to know that everything is finished in less than a day ... long live HM Sultan Qaboos.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Sohar, Kemmannu

    Tue, Mar 01 2011

    The situation is still tense at Sohar. Roads approaching the port are blocked thus hampering all traffic movement in and around the port area.

    The mob is gathering again at Globe round about restricting the traffic on Muscat -Dubai highway.

    Overall, the situation is much quiet than last 2 days.

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  • A.S.Mathew, U.S.A.

    Tue, Mar 01 2011

    This demonstration of the public,
    even though only a few in number
    shows that they love and respect
    their ruler. They are holding
    his picture with all the reverence.

    Oman is a great country for the
    Omanies and the
    expatriates to live in peace.
    It is not Libya, Egypt or some
    other countries which are making
    headlines every day.

    By these events, indeed the image
    of the Sultan will be getting
    better: and he will be taking
    immediate actions to solve the
    grievances of the people because
    he is a person of vision, compassion and peace.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles, Ex Sohar, Mangalore

    Tue, Mar 01 2011

    Very much saddened to see Sohar burning. I was in Sohar for 31 years and I have seen the development of Sohar under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos. When I first landed Sohar in 1978 there were no basic amenities like electricity, water or motor able roads were available. We used to have small generators, Water filled from tankers, Dusty Roads (Wadis were used as roads), plywood houses which was a luxury that time. At present it is like any other metro city and still flourishing. As an expatriate, we had no problems what so ever to practice our religion, celebrate our feasts or birthdays parties, picnics etc. Free and secular country. My house at Mangalore is named “Sohar Castle” as my gratitude to this place. It is Heart breaking to see Sohar in such a condition .I am very much grateful to the present ruler Sultan Qaboos. Wish him long life, prosperity and God’s grace to solve the present problem peacefully.

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