THATTA: A large number of vocalists, folk artistes and singers took out a procession here on Sunday to protest against ‘abusive language used by Sindh Minister for Culture Sharmila Farooqi’ against writers and artistes.

Led by president of Sindhi Adabi Sangat Raja Raheel Arfani, Wafa Akram Abbasi, Hamid Mughal and Dr Akash Abbasi, the protesters sang verses from the poetry of Shah Abdul Lateef Bhittai as they marched on main thoroughfares before converging in front of the press club.

The protesters’ leaders lashed out at the minister for her ‘provocative language’ and demanded the ministry of culture should be entrusted to someone else who had respect for artistes and writers.

They lamented the culture department did not remember nor organise any programme to commemorate folk Singer Alan Faqeer.

They also criticised the department’s rejection of stipend forms of some 100 singers and orphans belonging to Thatta district.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2014