A large number of fishermen from various areas gathered in Badin to protest against govt. unfair policies, illegal occupation of lakes by influential persons, and construction of proposed disputed canals in Punjab
Badin, Sindh
A large number of fishermen from various areas gathered at DC Chowk in Badin on Saturday November 2, 2024 to protest against government injustices, demanding an end to the atrocities they face.
The protesters, who staged rally and sit-in, organized by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), warned that if authorities did not address their grievances, they would escalate their protests across Sindh.
During the sit-in, PFF Chairman Mehran Ali Shah expressed the determination of the fishermen, stating, “Enough is enough. We are native people. We own the fresh and salt waters. We will fight for our rights and die for them.”
The PFF leadership accused the provincial government of threatening to dissolve their organization and imposing ban on the fishermen’s activities. Shah alleged that they want to silence fishermen and prevent them from raising voice against the atrocities.
The protest was specifically aimed at raising the issue of illegal occupation of Kakaho Lake in the Sanghar district and other bodies of water by feudal lords in the coastal region.
The protesters voiced their concerns over Punjab’s controversial plan to construct six canals on the Indus River. Mehran Shah warned that this issue is a matter of life and death for the people of Sindh. “The fishermen community will not tolerate this if such plans are initiated,” he vowed amid chants from the crowd.
Read: Sindh’s prized palla fish is near extinction
Participants also criticized Sindh government for its weak response to the proposed disputed canals, urging it to recognize fishermen as laborers. They emphasized that their contributions to revenue generation have been undervalued and overlooked.
PFF senior Vice Chairman Yasmeen Shah pointed out that despite assurances, the Sindh government has failed to address their concerns. “Our lakes are occupied. The minister Najmi Alam only makes false claims to distract us. The Sindh government resorts to threats when we demand our rights,” she stated, asserting their resolve not to back down.
Umar Mallah and several others, addressed the rally, which saw both men and women in attendance. They warned the government of large scale protests if their genuine demands are not met.
Fishermen from Sanghar, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal and other parts of Sindh province participated in the rally. (PR)
Read: India should release Pakistani fishermen
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