HYDERABAD, July 1: Sindhi and Seraiki nationalist leaders have demanded that all nationalities of the country be given full autonomy. They were speaking at a meeting organized by the Jeay Sindh Mahaz (Junejo) to mark the anniversary of One Unit at the Basant Hall here on Thursday.
JSM chairman Khaliq Junejo said that for all practical purposes, the One Unit was not abolished as the situation prevailing in Sindh today was the worst than the One Unit era.
He said that the resources of Sindh and employment opportunities were usurped by outsiders and Sindhi language and culture being eliminated systematically. He called upon the people to unite on one platform and launch a relentless struggle for their survival.
Mr Junejo pointed out that the Sindh Assembly had unanimously passed resolutions against the Kalabagh dam and greater Thal canal but they were rejected by the rulers.
He said that this was a clear proof of the fact that the real powers had no respect for the people of Sindh. He criticized the role of feudal gentry and stressed the need for unity among the people, politicians, intellectuals and writers to struggle for their rights.
Seraiki National Party chief Majeed Kanjo said that ever since the creation of Pakistan, a particular group had been ruling over the country at gunpoint. He said that only one province was ruling over the country and added that the establishment had become more powerful due to the indifferent attitude of the people.
Sindh National Council leader Dr Dodo Mahiri said that as long as feudal lords and capitalists were in power, the restoration of democracy would remain just a dream.
He said that the people of Sindh would remain slaves unless political culture was changed into a democratic culture. Communist Party of Pakistan, secretary-general, comrade Imdad Qazi lamented the absence of a sincere and selfless leadership in Sindh.
He accused the ruling clique of working for the interests of international imperialism. He said that feudalism and fundamentalism had been strengthened during the present regime.
Zafar Junejo, Hussain Bux Thebo, Hashim Khoso, S. Lal Ahujo and others spoke on the occasion. The message of Baloch leader Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch was also read on the occasion.
The meeting adopted several resolutions, demanding that Pakistan should be acknowledged as a multinational country and Sindhis, Balochis, Seraikis, Pakhtoons and Punjabis should be given complete autonomy.
It was demanded that exclusive rights of the provinces on their natural resources should be acknowledged unconditionally. The house strongly opposed the construction of greater Thal canal and Kalabagh dam and called upon the people to launch a social boycott of those forces which were supporting these projects.
It was also demanded that the provinces should be given the right to recover taxes and the influx of outsiders into Sindh be banned. It demanded that the colonization of Balochistan on the pretext of development should be stopped forthwith.
