G.M. Syed’s 31st death anniversary observed in Sann

DADU: Followers of veteran Sindh nationalist leader G.M. Syed marked his 31st death anniversary at a large gathering held near his grave in Sann town of Jamshoro district on Saturday.

Leaders of the Sindh Rahbar Committee, including JSM-R Chairman Riaz Ali Chandio, along with representatives of various other Sindhi nationalist parties, attended the event and paid tribute to the late leader, who was described at the gathering as their ideological guide.

During the programme, the Sindh Rahbar Committee announced that it would hold a protest march and sit-in on May 19 in Mithi against what it called oppressive policies.

Speakers recall Syed’s message

Speakers at the gathering referred to G.M. Syed’s speech of July 13, 1972, and told the audience that he had stressed the need to awaken the consciousness of Sindhis and to safeguard the province’s sovereignty through unity, patriotism and resistance.

Riaz Ali Chandio spoke about what he described as political and existential challenges facing Sindh. He said Sindhis were being subjected to oppression in the name of democracy and brotherhood.

He also claimed that Sindh’s resources, including lands, islands, minerals and rivers, were being taken away from its people under what he termed imposed hybrid governments or martial laws.

Mr Chandio further criticised what he called illegal dams and canals being constructed on the Indus River, saying these measures were causing damage to Sindh’s delta and biodiversity and were also leading to the destruction of forests and wildlife.

Criticism of current political system

In his address, Mr Chandio condemned the current hybrid political system, calling it designed to serve the interests of the ruling elite.

He also warned the government against what he described as a policy of distributing land to the corporate sector under the dictates of the IMF and World Bank at the expense of Sindh’s interests.

Calling for public mobilisation, he urged the people of Sindh to reject what he termed an oppressive system and to raise their voice for the protection of the province’s land, rivers and resources through peaceful resistance.

Other speakers at the gathering included Dr Niaz Kalani, Nawaz Khan Zaunr and Shabbir Ahmed Jamali.