BADIN, Jan 17: Tribute was paid to peasant leader Fazil Raho at a public meeting held in Rahoki here on Monday to mark his 18th death anniversary.

Speakers at the gathering organized by the Fazil Raho Yadgar Committee resolved to continue the mission of the late leader.

Former National Assembly speaker Ellahi Bux Soomro said Sindh was facing water shortage but the rulers were continuing with the plan to construct the Kalabagh dam. He maintained that people of Sindh were demanding their rights and they had never usurped rights of others.

Sindh Pakistan Muslim League vice-president Mohammad Ismail Raho said Fazil Raho was one of the leaders who would always be remembered for his services for the masses. Sindh PML-N president Imdad Chandio said Raho had devoted his life for the rights of the oppressed people.

Awami National Party joint secretary Amin Khattak criticized the government for the proposed military operation in Balochistan and said the issue could not be resolved by using force. He warned that people of the province would resist the operation.

Aleem Adil, Nazeer Memon, Younus Bhan, Aslam Raho, Mushtaq Raho Raho, Madad Ali Sindhi, Fazal Bangash, Mustafa Suhag, Anwar Ali Halepoto, Ali Raho Jokhio and others also spoke on the occasion.

The gathering passed several resolutions, demanding justice to a woman doctor who was criminally assaulted and punishment to the culprits, opposing construction of the Kalabagh dam and bifurcation of the Hyderabad district and suspension of recovery of government dues and revenue taxes from people in Badin.

Earlier, the leaders went to the grave of Fazil Raho, laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha. Meanwhile, a number of functions were organized to pay tribute to the leader, including a literary conference.