HYDERABAD, Dec 12: The Sindh culture department will organise an international conference on the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai on the eve of his 268th annual Urs celebrations in Bhit Shah in the second week of January to disseminate his message of peace and harmony.

This was said by Sindh culture secretary Abdul Aziz Uqaily at a meeting of the Mela organizing committee at Bhit Shah rest house on Monday. The meeting was convened to discuss the modalities to celebrate the Urs in a befitting manner.

He said that in addition to writers from all the provinces of the countries, Dr Moti Parkash, Hero Thakur and Vimi Sadarangani from India, Mohammad Mithal Vakari from the USA and renowned writers from other countries had been invited to present their papers in the conference.

He said that five books on the poetry of Shah Latif would be launched during the conference.

He said that Bhit Shah Museum had seven statues on different characters immortalised by Shah Latif, and added that the department had planned to get six other thematic statues prepared and installed in the museum. Out of the six statues, two would be installed before the Urs celebrations.

He said that arrangements had been made to hold Sughar conference, cattle show, local wrestling and agro-industrial exhibition.

Mr Uqaily said that like last year, rural culture would be depicted by establishing a model village in Shah-Jo-Bagh and a new event of “Much Kutchehry (gathering by bonfire) would also be held.

He said that the buildings in Bhit Shah belonging to the department -– including artistes' hostel, and rest house -- were being repaired and renovated

He directed the officers concerned to prepare guide maps indicating public facilities and emergency services and display them at main spots in the town during the three-day Urs celebrations.

He directed the officials of the Matiari district administration and police to prepare a foolproof security plan. A police official told the meeting that 2,000 policemen would be deployed and close circuit TV cameras and walk-through gates would be installed in the town during the Urs celebrations to maintain strict vigilance on miscreants.