Altaf Hussain vs Lord Mayo

Altaf Hussain founded the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (originally Mohajir Qaumi Movement) in 1984 to represent the political rights of Urdu-speaking Muhajir communities in Karachi. The party became a dominant force in urban Sindh.

Altaf Hussain went into self-exile in London in 1992 after a military operation against the MQM in Karachi. He has since led the party from exile, using telephone addresses to communicate with followers.

Altaf Hussain was convicted in absentia by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court on October 15, 2020, for treason and inciting violence. The court sentenced him to 21 years in prison for his speeches allegedly promoting hatred against state institutions.

Mayo implemented financial reforms to reduce the Indian budget deficit, including increasing taxes and cutting expenditures. He also established a famine relief system, creating a Famine Code and setting aside funds for relief works. These measures aimed to mitigate the impact of recurring famines in India.

Mayo supported the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which significantly reduced travel time between Britain and India. He promoted Indian trade and agriculture, including the expansion of tea, coffee, and cotton cultivation. These efforts aimed to integrate India more closely into the global economy.

Lord Mayo was assassinated on February 8, 1872, by Sher Ali Afridi, a convict from the Andaman Islands, while visiting the penal settlement at Port Blair. The assassination was motivated by personal grievances. Mayo was the only Viceroy of India to be assassinated in office.

Mayo visited the Andaman Islands penal colony in February 1872 to inspect conditions. During this visit, he was assassinated by Sher Ali Afridi. The visit was intended to assess the administration of the penal settlement, but it ended tragically, leading to increased security measures for future viceroys.