HYDERABAD: Sindhi writers and social activists paid rich tributes to The Second Floor (T2F) director Sabeen Mahmud and demanded of the government to apprehend her killers.

They were speaking at a programme titled “Ailaan Hazareen Maan Na Rugo” at a local cafe here on Sunday evening.

Political activist Comrade Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur said Ms Sabeen gave a forum to people for speaking and had been working for the rights of Balochistan since 2012.

Writer and Women Action Forum (WAF) activist Amar Sindhu said the forum considered the killing of Sabeen as a loss to the organisation and the state. She said Sabeen also struggled for women’s rights. Whoever raised a voice for rights, it was silenced with bullets or threats, she said. Violence was being committed by the government in Balochistan, she added.

Awami Workers Party Sindh general secretary Bukhshal Thalhu said capitalism was being practised by the state and there was no kind of ideology except for capitalism. He said the Pakistan Army had land and power in the country.

He said Sabeen was killed as she was active in struggle for the rights of Balochistan.

Rights activist Shabnam Baloch recited a few couplets for the deceased. She said Sabeen symbolised Balochistan.

Others who also spoke on the occasion included comrade Alia Thalhu, lawyer Ali Pal, social activist Mustafa Baloch and WAF activist Dr Arfana Mallah.

Social activist Zafar Junejo said Sabeen was an outspoken leader for the rights of people; she always took care of all, including her staff, organisation and people.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2015

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