THIS is apropos of your editorial ‘Neglected cemetery’ (Dec13). It has been rightly pointed out that Karachi’s Gora Qabristan is in a very poor condition. But the situation of Hyderabad’s Gora cemetery is also no better, it may be even worse than the Gora Qabristan of Karachi.

The history of Hyderabad’s Gora Qabristan also goes back to the early days of British Raj when Sindh was conquered by Charles Napier and made part of the empire.

The conscious citizens are concerned that the commercial value and strategic location of both the graveyards have tempted the land mafia to grab them. In the game, there may be involvement of actors belonging to institutions and non-institutions.

Considering the pathetic attitude of the relevant departments towards historical places such as Christian graveyards of Karachi and Hyderabad, the sceptical one may vindicate that in the near future brick and mortar lovers would completely grab the precious land.

In doing so, considerable portion of Sindh’s history of the British era would be erased. Moreover, an example would be set that the majority is not bothered about the minority so much so that even their sacred places were not to be spared.

The departments concerned should come forward and indicate the covered areas of the two graveyards, i.e. what was the demarcated area in pre-partition days and what is the current position? This simple statement would help us to know how much land has already gone.

ZAFFAR JUNEJO Dadu