Sindhiyani Tehreek and Awami Tehreek organized massive rally in Sukkur; rejected construction of 6 canals from Indus River in Punjab
- The rally also opposed the amendments to the IRSA Act, corporate farming, and voiced concern on lawlessness in Sindh
From Correspondent
Sukkur, Sindh
A massive rally was organized by Sindhiyani Tehreek and Awami Tehreek in Sukkur on Sunday December22, 2024 to protest against the construction of six new canals from the Indus River in Punjab, amendments to the IRSA Act, corporate farming, and the lawlessness caused by bandit rule.
The rally commenced from the Sukkur Hockey Ground and culminated at Ghanta Ghar Chowk, where a public gathering was held. A large number of women, men, children, youth, writers, poets, and socio-political leaders participated.
The rally was led by Advocate Vasand Thari, Central President of Awami Tehreek; Noor Ahmed Katiyar, Senior Vice President; Advocate Sajid Hussain Mahesar, Central General Secretary; Umrah Samoon, President of Sindhyani Tehreek; Farooq Tariq, General Secretary of the Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee; Comrade Ghulam Mustafa Chandio, President of Sindhi Hari Tehreek; Advocate Konj Lashari, President of SGST; Dr. Ayesha Dharejo, Chairperson of Sindh Sahai Sath; Irshad Peerzado, General Secretary of Sindhi Adabi Sangat Sukkur Branch; Mujeeb Nawaz; Lala Jarwar, Central Coordinator of Awami Tehreek; Advocate Sachal Bhatti; Sarwan Jatoi; Dr. Marvi Sindhu; Shamshad Bipar; Maah Noor Mallah; Rehana Baloch; Azmat Halepoto; Advocate Kausar Phulpoto; Naveed Abbas, and many other leaders.
The leaders of the rally collectively rejected the recently proposed bill, demanding that the federal government immediately halt the auctioning of Sindh’s resources. They emphasized that these resources belong to the Sindhi nation, not the federation, and called for the bill’s immediate withdrawal.
They strongly criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Sindh government, accusing it of fostering a kidnapping industry and tribal jirgas that have turned northern Sindh into a “bandit state.” In the Northern districts, they highlighted the growing lawlessness, where peaceful citizens and minorities are taken hostage by bandits protected by the ruling elite. Drug traffickers, under the supervision of district officials and influential political groups, openly conduct their operations, worsening the plight of the people.
The speakers highlighted the dire situation in northern Sindh, where an alliance between tribal chiefs, the Sindh government, and the establishment has made life unbearable for the common people. They demanded strict legal actions against tribal chiefs, security agencies, and others facilitating bandits. The leaders urged the Supreme Court to form a judicial commission to investigate the smuggling of NATO-grade modern weapons to bandits, ensuring the culprits are punished and peace is restored.
Sindhiyani Tahreek leaders called for the immediate release of all hostages, including Priya Kumari, and demanded strict action against bandits and their patronizing tribal chiefs. They also urged the arrest of those responsible for the murders of journalists Jan Muhammad Mahar and Nasrullah Gadaani.
The rally condemned the misuse of the PECA Ordinance to file false cases against journalists and demanded an end to such practices. Addressing extremism, the speakers demanded that the government stop empowering extremist forces and uphold Pakistan’s constitution based on the secular and democratic values envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. They called for cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act against individuals spreading extremism and hatred.
The rally also focused on the plight of women in Sindh, highlighting widespread atrocities such as honor killings, child marriages, forced marriages, harassment, blackmailing, cyberbullying, and violence. They criticized the Sindh government and police for shielding criminals and demanded strict enforcement of laws to protect women. They proposed forming committees at the Union Council level with representation from local women and reactivating Women Protection Cells and Anti-Harassment Cells with honest officials at the helm.
The speakers accused the Sindh Public Service Commission, educational boards, and testing bodies of corruption under the PPP government, stating that grades and jobs are being sold, depriving poor students of their rights and destroying merit. They demanded legal action against those involved in such practices, which block the future of Sindh’s youth.
The rally rejected the digital census results, accusing the federal government of deliberately undercounting Sindhis. They demanded a fair census using transparent digital methods and the removal of illegal immigrants from Sindh. Additionally, they called for legal action under Article 6 of the Constitution against NADRA officials issuing identity cards to illegal immigrants in exchange for bribes.
The participants expressed deep concern over the destruction and encroachment of Sindh’s cultural and historical heritage sites, such as Karoonjhar, Gorakh, Kirthar, Aror, Bukkur Fort, Ganjo Takar, Keenjhar, Manchar, Haleji, Mohenjo-daro, Bhambore, and Momal Ji Mari. They demanded immediate action to remove these encroachments and protect Sindh’s cultural identity.
Furthermore, the leaders raised an urgent issue regarding Sindh’s water crisis. They condemned the construction of canals in Sindh, describing it as an attack on the very existence of the region. They pointed out that despite years of severe water scarcity, these canals are exacerbating the problem. The drying up of the Indus River is leading to the genocide of Sindhi people, and they made it clear that Sindh will never accept new canals. The leaders also criticized the “Green Pakistan” initiative, alleging it is a cover to turn Sindh into a desert while transforming Punjab into fertile land. They warned that ignoring Sindh’s protests and pushing it to the wall will have dangerous consequences.
Read: Anti-Sindh Federal Projects: Sindh Rises Against Injustice
The rally pointed out that Zardari’s attempt to take control of the river for political gain, particularly to secure the presidential chair, was a betrayal of the people and the land of Sindh. They criticized the Pir of Pagaro’s directive to remain silent on the issue, accusing him of abandoning the cause of Sindh. They called for accountability for Punjab’s water usage over the past century and a half, demanding that PPP leaders stop deceiving the people of Sindh. The leaders also expressed concern over the Sindh Chief Minister’s support for strategic canals, accusing him of siding with policies that harm Sindh. They called on PPP to separate from the federal government if it is truly committed to the welfare of Sindh.
Read: Save Indus, Save Sindh: Govt. Must Revoke Illegal Canal Construction Plan
Finally, the speakers vehemently opposed the 26th constitutional amendment, which they claimed grants undue powers to the SIFC to seize Sindh’s lands, water resources, and minerals. They condemned interference in judicial appointments and the erosion of the Supreme Court’s independence, which deprives citizens of justice. The rally demanded the immediate repeal of the amendment and the restoration of fundamental constitutional and human rights.
The powerful slogans during rally, awakened the city of Sukkur and created a beautiful rhythm by Sindhiyani Tahreek workers.
Issues Highlighted
Illegal Amendments to IRSA Act: The unconstitutional modification of the IRSA Act and the illegal construction of six new canals for Cholistan have deprived Sindh of its rightful share of the Indus River.
Corporate Farming Projects: The government, under the guise of Green Pakistan initiatives, has sold over 13 million acres of Sindh’s land to foreign corporations. This includes allocating 52,000 acres of land to military-linked companies in the first phase, forcing the displacement of villagers in areas such as Ahmed Rajo UC to make way for these projects.
Bandit Rule and Lawlessness: Northern Sindh is plagued by lawlessness, with bandits operating freely under the patronage of influential figures. Modern NATO weapons are being smuggled to these groups, creating a parallel state.
Exploitation of Indus River: Since the establishment of Pakistan, Punjab’s government has diverted Sindh’s water through numerous canals and dams, violating international laws. This has resulted in droughts, salinity, and barren lands across Sindh.
Atrocities against Women: Practices like honor killings, forced marriages, and handing over girls as compensation for tribal killings under tribal decision.
Demands
• An independent investigation by credible global organizations into the theft of Sindh’s water over the past 150 years.
• Immediate withdrawal of the decision to construct six new canals under the guise of the Green Pakistan initiative.
• Reclamation of displaced villagers’ lands and cancellation of agreements with foreign corporations.
The participants of rally included writers, intellectuals, lawyers, artists, students, and activists who demanded justice for Sindh, restoration of its water rights, and an end to oppressive policies against women and marginalized communities.
The rally culminated with the passing of resolutions against IRSA amendments, land theft under corporate farming, and ongoing injustices faced by Sindh’s people, urging immediate remedial actions from the government.
Read: Australian Envoy calls for protecting the Indus Delta
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