THATTA: Activists of Awami Tehreek and Sindhiyani Tehreek observed the 95th birth anniversary of their revered leader, Rasool Bux Palijo, by holding a commemorative event at his final resting place in Mungar Khan Palijo village near Jungshahi town on Monday.

The parties’ leaders Hoorunnisa Palijo, Ali Muhammad Parvez, Hameed Khushik and late Palijo’s sons, Jameel Palijo, Saleem Palijo, Masood Palijo and Riaz Abbasi, said in their speeches at the gathering that Palijo was an unyielding advocate for the Indus River and a guardian of Sindh’s natural and cultural heritage. “Palijo was a beacon of hope and a fearless leader who fought relentlessly for the Indus,” they said.

They highlighted his leadership in organising impactful movements, including long marches against Kalabagh Dam and other injustices threatening Sindh’s rights.

They described Palijo’s ideology as a ‘blueprint for emancipation’ for the Sindhi people. “His writings and speeches continue to inspire strength and resilience among the masses,” they said.

They said that Awami Tehreek and Sindhiyani Tehreek remained at the forefront of struggle for Sindh’s rights.

They opposed plan for the construction of new canals on Indus River, which they saw as a conspiracy aimed at depleting the river. The federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party had colluded for the canals project and were hence “partners in crime”, they said.

They criticised President Asif Ali Zardari for violating the constitution by approving these projects and demanded an immediate halt to work on the canals project.

They called for cancellation of corporate farming projects that had led to land grabbing under the guise of development, urged the government to reclaim the lands allocated to Green Corporate Initiative Private Limited and redistribute them among landless local farmers.

They raised concerns over the environmental degradation of Keenjhar Lake and Manchhar Lake. “Pollution and toxic contamination are destroying our water bodies, threatening the livelihoods of millions,” they warned.

The event concluded with a commitment to continue Palijo’s mission. “Palijo Sahib’s vision for an empowered Sindh is alive in the struggle of its people,” said the leaders.

The activists held protests on the sidelines against encroachment on land, canals project and ongoing exploitation of Keenjhar and Haleji lakes.

Mitha Khan Lashari, Shah Mohammad Chang, Darya Khan Zanwar of Hari Tehreek, Khaliq Gandhro, Anwar Palari, Bilawal Lashari, Ghanwar Khan Zanwar and Ghulam Ali Zanwar also spoke at the program.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2025