Police detained more than 25 activists of the Awami Tehreek (AT) after the party took out a rally against a plan to “divide” Sindh, alleged exploitation of the province’s natural resources and lands, and construction of new canals.
The rally, led by AT President Advocate Vasand Thari, started from Degree College Mithi and passed through different roads before reaching Kashmir Chowk, the participants held a public meeting.
A large number of party workers, citizens and activists of the Sindhiani Tehreek participated in the event. Several women accompanied their young children. Carrying banners and placards, the participants raised slogans against the plan for new provinces, corporate farming and the controversial canal projects.
Police contingents were deployed at different points in the city ahead of the protest. According to the AT leaders, police attempted to prevent workers from joining the rally and cordoned off areas around the residences of some party leaders.
The party alleged that police used force against the protesters and detained more than 25 workers. Those detained included Advocate Devat Rai, Allah Bachayo Charo, Bhuralal Bheel, Aatam Bheel, Mohan Meghwar, Vivek, Paro Kolhi, Ali Hassan, Ramzan, Dileep Kumar and Babar Ali, it said.
The AT leaders also alleged that male police personnel attempted to detain women activists of the Sindhiani Tehreek, but the women posed stiff resistance.
Despite the police action, the rally reached Kashmir Chowk, where party leaders addressed the gathering.
Speaking to the audience, Vasand Thari condemned the police action, describing the use of force against peaceful protesters as “naked aggression”.
“We are not afraid of jails, police stations or violence. Our peaceful democratic struggle for the unity of Sindh and protection of its resources will continue,” he said.
Others who also spoke included AT Tharparkar president Diyal Sehrani, central leader Advocate Ayaz Kalyoi, Obhayo Junejo, Sindhyani Tehreek district president Rekha Bheel, Shazia Junejo, Pushpa Vasand and A.B. Charo.
The speakers said people across Sindh had previously raised their voices against the cutting of the Karoonjhar hills and would similarly resist any move they believed threatened the province’s territorial integrity, natural resources, historical sites and cultural heritage.
They also criticised proposals for the creation of new provinces and alleged that constitutional changes could be used to facilitate the division of Sindh. They accused the Pakistan Peoples Party of failing to protect the province’s interests and alleged that restrictions on demonstrations were aimed at suppressing opposition to such proposals.
The speakers said they would oppose any attempt to divide Sindh, whether through a constitutional amendment or a resolution of the provincial assembly.
