BADIN: Writers, poets and academics paid tribute to peasant leader Mohammad Fazil Rahu at a literary conference held in his native town Rahuki late on Wednesday night to mark the 32nd death anniversary of the slain leader.

Revolutionary poet Dr Akash Ansari said that Mr Rahu was a true and committed leader who neither succumbed to pressures nor deviated even an inch from his lofty principles throughout his life.

Prof Abdullah Mallah said that Rahu was one of the few leaders of the country, who laid down his life fighting for the rights of the downtrodden peasants. He confronted three military regimes and faced worst trials and tribulations, he said.

“It was Fazil Rahu, who played a crucial role in the struggle against Gen Zia’s rule and led people of Sindh from the front in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy,” said Mr Mallah.

Poet and playwright Hafeez Kumbhar said that personalities like Rahu’s were born in centuries. He never compromised on his principles and kept working for the downtrodden and poor peasants despite insurmountable obstacles raised in his path.

Sindh Minister for Agriculture Mohammad Ismail Rahu thanked participants in the conference and paid tribute to his late father who, he said, lived and died for the underprivileged people and fought bravely against all dictators.

Masud Lohar, Mohammad Khan Samoon, Dr Dodo Mehri, Nakash Alwani, Dr Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar, Khadim Talpur, Mohammad Moosa Jokhio, Mitho Mehri and others read papers on the life and struggle of Rahu, who was axed to death 32 years back in Golarchi town under an alleged conspiracy.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2019