NEWS/ ARTICLES As Published In

ENGLISH MEDIA

Regarding

AWAMI TAHREEK’S QUOMI AWAMI LONG MARCH

Collected by: Kalavanti Raja

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj)

Awami Tahreek (Peoples Movement of the masses of Si ndh) announces Long March

The Awami Tahreek (Peoples Movement of the masses of Sindh) announces

46 days historical Long March 8th Oct to 22 Nov 2009 (from Kandhkot to

Karachi) for Autonomy, NFC, Water, Education and Resources and Rights of

Sindh and against Corruption, Lawlessness, Terrorism, Unemployment and

man-made Inflation. Prior to this mega event the annual central elections of

Awami Tahreek, shall be held on 28th September 2009 at Yesrab Hall

Qasimabad, Hyderabad, Sindh.

Daily Times

Awami Tehreek Long March

KARACHI: The Rasool Bux Palijo-led Awami Tahreek (AT) announced on

Friday that it would organise a long march in first week of October against the

alleged settlement of outsiders in the Sindh as well as other issues faced by

the province. AT President Abdul Qadir Ranto made this announcement while

addressing at a protest rally at the Karachi Press Club. A number of women

activists belonging to AT women wing Sindhyani Tahreek also participated in

the rally. Ranto said that the planned protest long march would begin from

Kandhkot and end in Karachi. “Besides settlement of outsiders in Sindh, the

party would also record its protest on other issues, including restraining Sindhi

students from admissions in educational institutions in Karachi and the

allotment of millions of acres of provincial land to non-Sindhi population,” said

Ranto. Sindhyani Tahreek’s Zahida Shaikh as well as AT’s Abdul Hakeem

Halepoto, Hakim Zangejo, Mazhar Rahujo and others also spoke on the

occasion.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C08%5C08%5Cstory

_8-8-2009_pg12_7

Daily Dawn Losses from water shortage: AT wants Sindh compensa ted- Awami Tahreek Annual Convention HYDERABAD, Sept 30: The annual convention of the Awami Tehrik held here

on Tuesday demanded through a resolution compensation for the huge losses

Sindh had suffered over the past 150 years from perennial water shortage.

The convention presided over by AT leader Rasool Bux Palijo passed a

number of resolutions, one of which called for an end to robbery of Indus

waters and Sindh had been denied its rightful share in water over the

decades.

The gathering strongly criticised proposed construction of dams on the Indus

and the project for Greater Thal Canal and alleged that 33,000 cusec of

Sindh’s share was being stolen daily through Taunsa-Panjnad and Chashma-

Jehlum link canals.

It said the proposed construction of a powerhouse on Chashma-Jehlum link

canal would prove detrimental to the interests of Sindh and demanded that

Sindh’s natural resources should be returned to Sindhis.

It alleged that tens of thousands of acres of land on the Super Highway and

the National highway and pieces of land in prime locations in other areas of

the province were being sold to outsiders and multinational companies.

The cities of Karachi and Hyderabad had been handed over to “terrorists” and

billions of rupees were being given to their district governments without audit

while funds for other districts had been stopped, said the gathering.

It said that admission of Sindhi students to educational institutions in Karachi

had been banned and the educational system in the interior of Sindh was

being destroyed under a conspiracy.

It demanded that the elements who were involved in violence in the

educational institutions should be arrested and awarded deterrent

punishment.

The convention demanded that the Sindhi villages in Karachi should be

regularised and the conspiracy to convert Sindhis into a minority should be

done away with.

It opposed development of a new city Zulfiqarabad and urged the government

to take effective measures to abolish jirga and sardari system and abolish the

black custom of karo-kari.

It said the people involved in the massacre of innocent people in the bloody

incidents of May 12, April 9 and Oct 8 should be arrested. The cases lodged

against people belonging to a particular party should be reopened and the

accused should be awarded deterrent punishment, said the gathering.

The convention reaffirmed its resolve to stage a long march from Kandhkot to

Karachi on Nov 22.

It said that the United States of America and its allies, including European

countries and Israel were trying to enslave the third world in the name of

restoration of human rights, democracy and war against terrorism.

It said the most rulers of the third world were American surrogates and their

domestic and foreign poli-cies were framed under the dictation of imperialist

forces.

The convention urged people of the third world countries to unite to fight

against exploitative forces and accused Pakistani rulers of following the pro-

American policies of former dictator Pervez Musharraf.

Meanwhile, names of new office-bearers of the central body of Awami Tehrik

were announced. The convention was told that Ayaz Latif Palijo had been

elected the president, Syed Alam Shah senior vice president and Mohammad

Khan Bhurgari general secretary.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-

newspaper/national/losses-from-water-shortage-at-wants-sindh-

compensated-109

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj)

Letter by the President of Awami Tahreek To,: All Committed Democrats

Fraternal greeting to all of you!

This is to introduce to you a patriotic socio-political organization Awami

Tahreek (Peoples Movement) based in Sindh, (Pakistan) with its

Headquarters at Hyderabad, Sindh.

People connected with Awami Tahreek have been in the fore front of every

democratic and patriotic movement and struggle in Pakistan in general and

Sindh province in particular since the mid-sixties.

Awami Tahreek is an organization with a broad world out-look and believes in

all around and all-embracing change for the better in all fields in Sindh and

Pakistan, in South Asia, Asia and the third world and in our entire global

village which is also called the space-ship earth.

We in Awami Tahreek have always had and have always retained a firm faith

in humanity and its bright future inspite of all the unhappy, sad and dark

centuries of its existence since time immemorial and in spite of all the turmoil

it is facing to day all over the world.

We observe that the centers of human evolution and progress have kept

shifting from place to place, country to country and continent to continent.

While the fountain head of the emergence of humanity is recognized to be the

African continent and the cradle of its early great civilization of faiths has been

Asia, the firm roots of world modernity, scientificality and democracy go back

to Greco-Roman civilization in Europe. Our century has witnessed the rise

and fall of Russia, the rise of both the far west (America) and far east

particularly including Japan and China.

We believe that along with the great Eastern peoples like the Japanese, the

Russians, the Chinese and others, peoples of our sub-continent too are

entitled to the stability, prosperity, progress and human glory that was and

once more promises to be the East which is rising up again and lifting its head

and by the sacrifice of its sweat and blood is becoming readier to march hand

in hand with all the fraternal and friendly people of the non-imperialist

democratic West.

We believe that while the role of profit-based competitive market-economy

has proved to be much greater than it was previously realized, it can not be

and is not the Panacea for all the evils afflicting humanity. The most

fundamental and enduring problems confronting mankind call for fellow-

feeling, co-operation and united effort aimed at mutual benefit rather than cut-

throat competition, rivalry and strife.

We believe that a uni-polar world is bound to end-up in confrontation, and

attempts at domination of entire humanity by a single gigantic world centre

compared to the vastness of whose domain that of the Roman, Muslim,

Chinese, Mongol and British empires would appear to be a mere child’s play.

A multi-polar world alone can meet the requirements of our world to-day for

peace, co-operation and for all-round social, economic , cultural, scientific and

technological progress.

Awami Tahreek has been very active since its inception in its support for the

struggle for democracy, rule of law, justice, fair-play, provincial autonomy and

basic human rights for everyone specially the women,, minorities and the

weaker sections of our society. In this regard we have launched a long march

from Kandh Kot (Sindh) — the hub of the sardari (feudal) system of Sindh,

Pakistan. The march was started by our activists on October 8, 2009.

Thousands of Awami Tehrik workers – both men and women – were at the

venue. The people were chanting slogans against the terrorism, autocracy,

corruption, jirga and sardari system, condemning the practice of karo kari

(honor killings), asking for educational and health facilities and demanding

opportunities for employment. The marchers would cover about 20kms each

day and the route of the march will cover the length and breadth of Sindh. The

total distance of Long March and dozens of short marches from Kandhkot to

the Karachi Press Club is about 960 kms and same will be covered in 46

days. I invite you to extend your solidarity and to support and participate in

this historic and unique event in the history of social and grassroots political

movements in Pakistan.

Yours affectionately,

President AWAMI TAHREEK

awamitahreekpakistan@gmail.com

ayazlatif@gmail.com

92-300-3063471

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj) LONG MARCH started..Emotional scenes observed in tr ibal no-go-areas Kandhkot-Pakistan: Awami Tahreek (Peoples Movement's) national Long

March started from Kandhkot yesterday on 8th October and reached at

Karampur today. The march is organized against ongoing unemployment,

price-hike, terrorism, lawlessness and acute shortage of water in Sindh

Renown intellectual and Awami Tahreek's chief, 80 year old cardiac patient,

Mr. Rasool Bux Palijo, newly elected Central President of the party and

Human Rights lawyer Ayaz Latif Palijo, General Secretary Muhammad Khan

Bhurgri, Syed Alam Shah and former central president Qadir Ranto are

leading the 46 days long protest long march. Thousands of brave women and

men passing through the tribal no-go-areas of Kandhkot, Ghouspur and

Karampur raised slogans for complete provincial autonomy, major share in

NFC an implementation on 1940 resolution and against tribalism, jirga

system, lawlessness, KARO KARI, SANG CHATTI, water shortage and

discrimination against Sindhis in Karachi. Hundreds of workers of JSQM,

Tarqi Pasand PArty, Jamait Islami and PPP Shaheed Bhutto also joined the

workers of Awami Tahreek.

Addressing the crowd at Kandhkot Mr Rasool Bux Palijo said that people of

Sindh are fighting for their survival. He said this is time to mobilise people for

issues like Greater Thal Canal, unemployment, recovery of various taxes and

water shortage. He said PPP led government is betraying the cause of Sindh

and they will have to face the consequences. He demanded that Sindhis must

be ensured their due share of jobs in the provincial and federal governments,

semi-government & autonomous agencies including civil, military and foreign

services. He criticized the present govt for continuing the ongoing work on

Thal Canal and said that the people of Sindh will not accept the construction

of greater Thal it was the unanimous opinion of over 45 million people of the

province that the canal was an anti-Sindh project and should be shelved

without any further delay.

The President of Awami Tahreek Ayaz Latif Palijo condemned the forcible

taking over of the coal, oil, lands, islands and fishing areas of Sindh by the

Federal and City government. Ayaz said that Awami Tahreek would not only

contest the next elections but the leaders would visit various cities and towns

of Sindh and inform the landless and jobless people about what's happening

with them and who is responsible for this. He said in past few months several

activists of STP, SUP and JSQM have been brutally murdered, SNF chief was

arrested and humiliated and JSQM chief was attacked but none of the culprits

has been arrested so far, which shows the criminal negligence of the

Provincial and federal Govt. He said that Awami Tahreek is not against any

groups or nation but it opposes those who perpetuate atrocities on the Sindhis

and other working classes of Pakistan. He lashed out at Wapda, IRSA and the

establishment for withholding water supply to Sindh and opposed the

construction of greater Thal canal.

The protesters will march through various cities and reach at Karachi on

March 22 November where they would stage a sit-in in front of the Mazar-e-

Quaid and Press Club. Today on Ghospur to Karampur roads thousands of

men including hundreds of tribal women of Bijarani, Bhaya, Teghani, Jakhrani,

Bapar, Malik, Noonari and Jattoi communities led by their village heads came

on roads, welcomed the participants and blocked the main highway. While

addressing them Ayaz Latif Palijo said when you soem times ignore the

directions of your GOd and sometimes forget about the wishes of your

parents then why can't you disobey the illegal and inhuman commands ofyour

sardars. He took oath of thousand of people thet if their Sardar would direct

them to attack an innocent man of opponent tribe or to kill a women in the

name of honor killing you will refuse to obey such orders.

Some emotional scenes were observed under the scorching sun when

hundreds of peasant bagri women appeared from ghospur to join the

marchers. The Sindhiani Tahreek activists chanted slogans of Namanzoor

Namanzoor Jirga system, Namanzoor, Namanzoor Namanzoor Karo Kari

Namanzoor, Band Karyo Band Karyo Dahshatgardi Band Karyo. Darya Khatir

Jhero aaa, Panee khatir jhero aaa. The marchers would walk 20 to 28 km

daily, and after holding rallies and peaceful sit-ins at Shikarpur, Sukkur,

Ranipur, Kandiaro, Noshehro Feroz, Moro, Dolatpur, Qazi Ahmed, Panj Moro,

Hala, Bhit Shah, Hyderabad, Tando Mohd Khan, Shah Karim Bulri, Bathoro,

Sujawal, Thatto, Gharo, Bhanbhor, Landhi will ultimately reach at Karachi

after 46 days and a grand peaceful protest rally will be held in front of Press

Club Karachi.

Daily Dawn

Call for Shaikh Ayaz varsity in Shikarpur SHIKARPUR, Oct 11: Awami Tehrik chief Rasool Bux Palijo has urged the

provincial government to set up a university in Shikarpur named after Shaikh

Ayaz, the great Sindhi poet of the 20th century, who was born and brought up

in the historic city.

He was addressing participants of a long march, which started from

Kashmore on Thursday and reached the Lakhi Gate roundabout here on

Sunday. The march is aimed at highlighting the problems faced by Sindhis. Mr

Palijo said that Sindh was in deep crisis and its people were facing severe

hardships. Sindhi people should unite to wage a struggle to take back their

‘usurped rights’, he stressed.

He accused the government comprising people belonging to feudal families of

“selling Sindh and its natural resources to outsiders who have grabbed its

wealth”.

He said: “Selfish politicians and rulers are supporting the elements who are

trying to convert sons of the soil into a minority in their own motherland.”

Mr Palijo called upon nationalist, political and religious parties to shun

differences and unite for the national cause of wresting back ‘usurped rights’.

He said his party would continue its struggle for Sindh’s rights and asked

“outsiders, including the US to leave Sindh and its natural resources”.

Naseer Mangi of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz, Abdul Qadir Abro of Jamaat-i-Islami,

Maulvi Abdul Fatah Mahar and Ms Zahida Shaikh of AT also spoke to the

marchers.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-

newspaper/national/call-for-shaikh-ayaz-varsity-in-shikarpur-209

Daily Dawn Long march not against democracy; party to particip ate in coming polls. SUKKUR, Oct 14 Leaders of Awami Tehrik have said that the people of

Pakistan would never ever accept the Kerry-Lugar Bill because it is against

the interests of the country and its people.

They said that for the last 62 years rulers had ignored people and protected

their vested interests, due to which people of Pakistan were now living a

miserable condition.

They were addressing people who had gathered at Teer Chowk here on

Wednesday to welcome the participants of the AT’s long march. AT president

Ayaz Latif Palijo, vice-president Hakeem Zangejo, Mohammad Khan, Umar

Samoon, Zahida Shaikh and Dr Sabiha Arshad spoke on the occasion.

The long march, aimed to highlight burning issues of Sindh started from

Kandhkot on October 8 and it would culminate in Karachi on November 22.

The AT leaders said that the long march was not against the democracy, but it

was aimed at to get just rights for Sindh. The AT and other pro-Sindh forces

have always struggled for the just rights of the province and would continue to

do so till the goal is achieved. They also announced that the AT would take

active part in the next general elections.

They alleged that the rulers were acting according to the whims and wishes of

their western masters, due to which the country sustained irreparable loss. So

much so that they were not even effectively raising voice on the drone attacks

by the USA, due to which many innocent lives were being lost every day, they

added.

Hitting hard the PPP-led coalition, they said during election campaign, they

raised slogans of “Roti, Kapra aur Makaan” and people voted them to power,

but since their coming to power, they have done nothing to provide relief to

the people. They rather over-burdened the people with crisis such as

lawlessness, price hike, unemployment, shortage of wheat-flour, sugar, water,

electricity, gas and others.

They regretted that Sindh was particularly experiencing lawlessness, due to

tribal feuds, which are sparked by feudal lords and tribal chiefs. They said

these feuds had claimed hundreds of innocent lives, while education and

agriculture sectors were badly affected, but Sindh government seemed to be

helpless.

They said Sindh had been subjected to atrocities since long and it was the

right time to launch a joint struggle for its rights, and added that an unjust NFC

award would never be accepted.

They said that only Sindhis have right over the resources of the province, and

urged the federal government to hand over all the resources of Sindh to its

people. They also demanded complete provincial autonomy for Sindh.

Earlier, when the participants of long march reached the railway crossing,

Sukkur, a large number of political workers and people accorded them a warm

welcome and showered them with rose petals.After a successful public

meeting at Teer Chowk, the participants of the march left for Khairpur.

AT chief Rasool Bux Palijo was not present in the march, because he was

admitted to a Shikarpur hospital on Tuesday due to breathing problem.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-

newspaper/national/long-march-not-against-democracy-party-to-participate-in-

coming-polls-army-wont-accept-kerrylugar-at-509

The News International

A long march for social change

Monday, October 19, 2009

Sarwar Bari

“This is a stronghold of Bijarani, Somroo, Jhakhrani, Oghai and Taighani

sardars,” answered a handsome Sindhi villager who was sitting next to me on

a charpai at a roadside restaurant on the Super Indus Highway, where we had

stopped to have tea. My peculiar appearance (white beard, moustache and a

ponytail) and interest in their issues caught the attention of others, who

wanted to share their thoughts. In order to trigger a debate, I asked about the

role of these tribal sardars in local development and their well being. No one

had anything good to say about the sardars and the successive governments

in which the former have played a major role. Almost everyone complained

about their tyranny, and the lack of educational and health facilities. Among

them was a teacher who said that it had been many years since a school was

opened or upgraded in his taluka. In fact, most schools had become non-

functional despite the swelling population.

One man said that in his area, 100 people have been killed over the theft of a

buffalo and the sardars have been playing a huge role in the perpetuation of

the feud. Since most rural populations are organised on primordial lineages,

very often in the case of a conflict, the feuding parties would approach

different local factional leaders for help. In return, they would have to vote for

him or his nominee in elections. They blamed their sardars for the

perpetuation of feuds as it allows them to have control and exert power over

the population. According to them, the local police, revenue officials and lower

judiciary collaborate with the sardars in this nefarious game. The government

officials are bound to serve the sardars, as they are the peoples’

representatives and the law makers too. “Why did you vote for such

candidates?” I asked them. Their answer was crisp and sharp. “Our choice is

restricted between one feudal sardar or the other.”

They also complained that most mainstream political parties issue tickets to

those candidates who were wealthy and have their own vote bank which

means “bonded haris,” according to the teacher. He also said that these

“sardars are the gatekeepers of our areas — they don’t allow anybody to unite

the people.” An old man said that “be it military dictators or civilian

governments, these sardars have remained in power as a class.”

However, the gatekeepers were challenged a few days ago when the Awami

Tehrik launched a long march from Kandh Kot — the hub of the sardari

system of Sindh. The march was kick-started by Rasool Buksh Palijo and his

party workers on October 8. Thousands of Awami Tehrik workers – both men

and women – were at the venue. The people were chanting slogans against

the jirga and sardari system, condemning the practice of karo kari, asking for

educational and health facilities and demanding opportunities for employment.

The issues that are being raised through the long march reflect the true

aspirations of the people. Throughout the three days that I spent with the

people at the long march, I saw men, women and children of goths along the

Super Highway waiting to welcome us. Some were holding traditional snacks;

others had set up sabeels of cold water for us. Most of them joined us in

sloganeering. I was curious to know who and what had motivated them to

welcome the marchers. Most said the local influential sardars had in fact

instructed them not to welcome the marchers. They dared to defy the orders

of their sardars. Moreover, many passersby would show gestures of solidarity.

The marchers covered about 20kms on day one. We spent the first night in

Ghauspur – a small town on the highway. Next morning, we walked for

another 20kms and finished the day at Karampur another small town on the

same highway. We spent the second night at village Pirbux Shujra. Hassan

Ali, a local leader of the Awami Tehrik, was our host. The area we covered in

two days is a stronghold of Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, the Federal Minister for

Education. I was curious to know what changes in education had come about

since he became the minister. The villagers told me that there had not been

any improvement and that they did not expect much in the future. They said

out of the 20 odd schools only four were functional in their union council.

In order to verify the claim of the villagers, I spoke to some independent

people of the area who repeated what I had already heard. I then visited

various websites. The data I found about Human Development Index (HDI)

ranking of, and allocation of budget for, education in these districts proved

what the people had told me. According to the National Development Report

2003-UNDP, Shikarpur and Jacobabad fall at the bottom of the HDI ranking

list. According to a recent survey conducted by the Sindh government, these

districts have one of the highest numbers of ghost schools and have high

absenteeism among teachers and health officials. The overall literacy rate in

these districts is much lower than the national average (30 per cent). The

national average is 54 per cent. In comparison to other districts, the budget

allocation for educational development has been less than three per cent; the

rest goes to recurring costs, that is, to cover salaries of the absentee teachers

and ghost schools.

The area is infamous for crimes against women; that is, karokari, wanni etc.

The role of tribal chiefs is shameful in this regard. They have been using the

jirga as a tool to please men in order to keep the women in complete

subjugation.

Therefore, the decision to start the long march from Kandhkot was significant.

It was like throwing the first stone against the tribal-feudal chiefs who have

been kept in power for decades, now by an unholy alliance of the PPP and

MQM and before by uniformed politicians. The MQM, whose rhetoric against

the feudal elite is revolutionary, has actually been helping feudal sardars to

maintain status quo.

Coming back to the long march, I was pleasantly surprised that despite fear of

retaliation from the local feudal lords, dacoits and terrorists, nobody carried

any weapons. Nobody was scared. The marchers were peaceful and highly

disciplined. They walked on the left of the highway, which helped the traffic

move smoothly — a rare occurrence during processions. The girls and boys,

and men and women strode towards their destination. They sang

revolutionary songs, shouted slogans and were proud of being part of the

march. Despite harsh weather, poor facilities and unsuitable walking shoes

nobody wanted to give up. I told Palijo this should have been called a walk of

endurance.

The route of the march will cover the length and breadth of Sindh. The total

distance from Kandhkot to the Karachi Press Club (KPC), where it will end, is

about 1,000kms. The distance will be covered in 46 days. This is perhaps a

historic and unique event in the history of social movements in Pakistan. Yet,

the mainstream media finds little news worthiness in it. All over the world, the

media tends to give coverage to elitist, glamorous and bloody events. The

Pakistani media is no different. Marginalizing peaceful and democratic

demonstrations can push people towards extreme steps. We can’t afford to let

this happen any longer. A man in the roadside hotel said: ‘the long march is

good but not enough; we need to take up arms against the oppressors.” I tried

to convince him otherwise by giving him a comparison of the Swat Taliban,

Lal Masjid militants and the lawyers’ movement. One was bloody and the

other was peaceful. Who won, I asked him. He kept quiet. He did not want to

argue, perhaps out of courtesy. The writing on the wall is clear — the people

of Pakistan are fed up with the existing leadership and prepared to play their

role. Social movements across all four provinces and FATA must join hands in

order to transform social base of our polity. We know very well only social

movements have brought meaningful social change and democratic

development in history.

The writer is a civil society activist. Email: sarwar.bari@gmail.com

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=203866

SAMAA

Masses of the Sindh are facing Poverty and Crises The ‘Long March’ held by the Awami Tehreek arrived in Naushahro Feroze on

Friday after journeying from Kandhkot on way to Karachi for saving the assets

of Sindh. Hundreds of citizens and members of the civil society welcomed the

march . Long march led by the Ayaz latif Palejo president Awami tahri ,

central Secratery general of awami tahrik Mohammed Khan Bhurgeri ,Qadir

rantho ,Hakeem Halepoto ,Umra Samoonand others Talking to Hundreds of

citizens and members of the Ayaz Latif palejo said that our resources and

cities are in the grip of terrorist and we are struggling for our survival and

safety . Our long march is a referendum against the present PPP government

Palejo said . On 22 November 2009 we will prove in Karachi that the present

rulers are not acceptable to us . He further said our masses will have to come

to the fore in order to save our resources from the look and plunder of the

PPP rulers . He praised the women and children participating in the long

march and said that they have done a wonder full performance by walking

more the 1300 kilo meters. He further said that the masses of the sindh are

facing poverty and crises and un standard education but government are not

ready to solve the problems . They said which is the will of Benazir Bhutto that

after killing of her the murderer FIR of her will be lodged against Ex president

Gen Parwaiz Mushraf which is the will of Benazir Bhutto but ppp government

is not ready this will of Benazir Bhutto .

http://isamaa.tv/report/2009-10-23-awami-tahrik-long-march-reached-nferoze/

Frontier Post When Long march reached Moro MORO (PPI): The 'long march' of Awami Tehreek for highlighting the rights of

Sindh province reached here on Saturday. A large number of activists belong

to Jamaat-e-Islami, Jeay Sindh Mahaz, Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party, Labour

Party and other political and civil society organizations warmly welcomed the

convoy and showered flower petals on them.

Addressing on the occasion, President Amami Tehreek Ayaz Latif Palejo said

landlords, and politicians have sold rivers, lands and mines of Sindh,

however, the people of Sindh would not allow grip of anyone on the resources

of the province. He said the people of Sindh deserve to avail resources of

Sindh themseleves.

He demanded of government to raise the salaries of police and judges of

Sindh and make them at par with those officials in Punjab.

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=ts&nid=2805&ad=25-10-

2009

Daily Dawn We are not against Kerry-Lugar but in past enmity & friendship of USA with nations is linked to its own interests-Ayaz Palijo HYDERABAD, Nov 1: The Awami Tehrik has opposed Kerry-Lugar Act on the

ground that it is aimed to protect US interests as it had been proved time and

again that US always tried to safeguards its own interests.

At a press conference here on Sunday, AT president Ayaz Latif Palijo, said

that the Act should be opposed because, instead of accepting it with strict

conditions, the wealth looted by plunderers and kept in US, Dubai, London,

Switzerland and other countries banks, should be brought back for

development of the country.

The AT president said that a long march of party activists which had begun

from Kandhkot on October 8 would reach Hyderabad on November 4. The

marchers have been welcomed in different districts by residents as it was

aimed at to highlight burning issues confronting Sindh, he said.

The march has entered into its 25th day and the participants are currently

staying in Matiari, Palijo said, adding that they would cover 800 kilometers in

46 days.

He expressed the hope that people of Hyderabad would accord a historic

welcome to the participants of the march.

Talking about proceedings of central executive committee of AT, he said that

the central committee has discussed the issue of National Reconciliation

Ordinance (NRO) through which “terrorists, who were involved in bloodshed in

looting properties since 1986, have benefited.”

He said that the meeting demanded reopening of cases regarding May 12,

October 18 and April 9 killings which should be challaned in courts.

Opposing Kerry-Lugar Act, the AT executive committee noted that US always

preferred its interests and its enmity and friendship with different nations and

countries is always directly linked to its own interests, Palijo said. He said that

imperialist designs were working behind Kerry- Lugar law.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-

newspaper/national/at-chief-hits-out-at-us-aid-plan-119

The News International Long March arrives in Hyderabad amid show of solida rity HYDERABAD: Participants of a the Awami Tehreek’s long march arrived here

on Wednesday and a large number of people attended the rally which passed

through various streets of the city.

The march had started from Kandhkot on Oct 8 and reached the outskirts of

Hyderabad late on Tuesday night and entered the city on Wednesday

afternoon. The rally was joined by leaders of various political parties outside

the Hyderabad Press Club. Those who spoke outside the press club included

AT chief Rasool Bux Palijo, his son and AT leader Ayaz Latif Palijo, Asadullah

Bhutto of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Hyder Shani of the Sindh Taraqqi Pasand

Party, Dodo Mehri of the Sindh United Party and Niaz Kalani of the Jeay

Sindh Qaumi Mahaz.

The participants included women who were also carrying banners, placards

and party flags. They also raised slogans against the government.The long

march was organised against the lawlessness in Sindh, unjustified share for

Sindh in the NFC award, water shortage and other injustices with the people

of Sindh. The participants would leave here on Thursday morning the march

would culminate in Karachi on Nov 22 where leaders of national and regional

parties are expected to attend it.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=206940

Daily Dawn AT marchers ask PPP to be sincere with nation HYDERABAD, Nov 4: Participants of Awami Tehrik’s long march cautioned

the PPP government here on Wednesday to show its commitment to people

of Sindh who had voted it to power in the name of late Benazir Bhutto

otherwise the very same people had the potential to dislodge it. The marchers

entered Hyderabad late afternoon and would leave for Karachi on Thursday.

Earlier the march began from Mehboob Solangi village near Hatri bypass

intersection at the outskirts of the city. Marching on main thoroughfares of the

city, the participants gathered on Risala Road in front of Government Boys

High School where leaders addressed a gathering which included a large

number of women.

AT leader Rasool Bux Palijo said that it was an honour for people of Sindh

that they were following the path of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and they felt proud

that they were not with rulers whom they had exposed time and again. He

said that they were fighting for a just cause. He said that people were being

befooled in the name of democracy for the past 62 years. He said that Sindh

belonged to indigenous people who were owners of all its resources but said

that neither all the Urdu-speaking nor all the Sindhi speaking people could be

considered friends of Sindh. “We will have to exclude terrorists form Urdu

speaking people and traitors from among Sindhis”, he said. He said that he

had once told late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that if Sindhis were separated from

Bengalis, the former would be enslaved.

AT president Ayaz Latif Palijo said that lines were clearly drawn between

dictators and those resisting them in Sindh and added that the long march

had a message for all those who had become disappointed with politics. He

said that people had voted PPP to power but it did not ensure arrest of killers

of its own leader. “Do we still expect from the PPP that it will resolve Sindh’s

issues when it has failed to arrest those who killed Benazir Bhutto,” he

questioned. He said that long march was activating Sindhi people.

Sindh Hari Committee’s Azhar Jatoi said that Sindh’s existence was at stake

because lands were being allotted to foreigners and outsiders were being

settled in Sindh. He said that PPP leadership should mend its ways because

people of Sindh were fed up with its loot and plunder of resources and they

wouldn’t let it happen. He said that if PPP didn’t desist from it then Sindhi

people would not support it.

Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party’s Hyder Shahani paid tribute to the marchers

“who are carrying a message that Sindh belongs to indigenous people.” He

said that AT and STP had always stood for just cause and always caused

ripples in ruling clique. Dr Dodo Maheri of the Sindh United Alliance, Dr Niaz

Kalani of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, Sindhiani Tehrik president Zahida

Sheikh, Jami Chandio and Alam Shah also spoke on the occasion.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-

newspaper/national/at-marchers-ask-ppp-to-be-sincere-with-nation-519

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj)

An Amazing Day, When hundreds of thousand People gathered in Awami Tahreek's Long March My God. unbelievable!!!. Today was a unique day, a day when Awami

Tahreek (Peoples Movement's) national Long March entered into Hyderabad

and welcomed by lacs (hundreds of thousands) of people. When the march

reached at city gate hotel its rear end was near Hala Naka at the distance of 3

kilometers. It was welcomed by all political parties except PPP and MQM. The

march is organized against ongoing unemployment, price-hike, terrorism,

lawlessness and acute shortage of water in Sindh. Due to new tolerant and

harmonious policies of Awami Tahreek's newle elected president Ayaz Latif

Palijo, when he started his todays journey from Isra University, he was

welcomed, garlanded and accompanied by JSQM delegation led by Vice

Chairman and former Central General Secretary Dr. Niaz Kalani, STP

delegation led by Sen. Vice Charmian Haider Shahani and Muzafar Kalhoro,

SUP delegation led by Sen. VP Dr Dodo Maheri and Roshan Buriro, Jamait

Islami delegation led by Sindh President Molana Asadullah Bhutto MNA, PPP

Shaheed Bhutto delegation led by CEC member and central leader Majeed

Sial, Sindh Hari Comeetee delegation led by Chiraman Azahar Jattoi, Save

Sindh Movement delegation led by Faqeer Rematullah Hisbani and by Labor

Party, JSSF, JUI and SNF delegations. This was another Sindh, a Sindh with

new imagination and new initiatives of Sir Ayaz.

Renown intellectual and Awami Tahreek's chief, 80 year old legend Saeen

Rasool Bux Palijo was looking so delighted that it was apparent that he

himself was amazed on presence of lacs of men and women walking for rights

of Sindh under the flag of Awami Tahreek. Newly elected Central President of

the party and Human Rights lawyer Ayaz Latif Palijo, General Secretary

Muhammad Khan Bhurgri, Syed Alam Shah and former central president

Qadir Ranto were leading the 46 days protest long march. Lacs of brave

women and men passing through the cultural capital of Sindh raised slogans

against terrorism, tribalism, jirga system, lawlessness, honor killings, water

shortage and discrimination against Sindhis in Hyderabad, Islamabad and

Karachi. The protesters will march through various cities and reach at Karachi

on March 22 November where they would stage a mega Jalsa-e-Am in front

of the Mazar-e-Quaid and Press Club. Today in Hyderabad Lacs of men

including thousands of urban women came on roads near Civil Hospital, Tilak

Charhi, Gari Khata, Citizen Colony, Nasim Nagar Chok and Qasimababd.

SST and Sindh Nojawan Tahreek youth welcomed the participants and

peacefully blocked all the main roads and proved that it was an indigenous

metropolitan of Sindhis. While addressing the jubilant crowd leaders of all

parties congratulated new president and his team for such gigantic effort.

Ayaz Latif took oath of thousands of people that they will not rest till the final

success of masses. During Ayaz Latif and Rasool Bux Palijo's speech some

emotional scenes were observed near gol building and Nasim Nagar when

thousands of citizens garlanded the leaders and welcomed them with non-

stopping applaud, which was directly telecasted by GEO TV, ARY, AAJ, Sindh

TV, KTN, Awaz, and Mehran. They covered and relayed the live speeches of

Palijo sahib and Ayaz Latif and Aaj and GEO declared it as an unprecedented

event in history of Sindh. ARY TV during live telecast mentioned that a large

number of citizens and political workers and people accorded them a warm

welcome and showered them with rose petals.

I am so happy, it was THE DAY. Congrats to all of you and to those who are

well-wishers of Sindh and of 17 crore common people. Hats off to Ayaz Latif

Palijo, Saeen Palijo sahab, Awami Tahreek and Sindhiani Tahreek. A new

political power is emerging in Sindh lets support Awami Tahreek, lets join

Awami Tahreek and grand qaflo of Ayaz Palijo.

Frontier Post

Awami Tehrik would never accept illegal and unconstitutional removal of the President-Ayaz Latif Palijo Friday, November 13, 2009 at 4:28am KARACHI: Ayaz Latif Palijo, President of Awami Tehrik (AT), has declared that though his party was against People's Party's corruption and its "anti-Sindh" policies but warned that his party and people of Sindh would never accept illegal and unconstitutional removal of President Asif Zardari by the establishment. Palijo was addressing a big crowd of people participating in the "Long March" in Mirpur Bathoro, a big town of Thatta district, on way to Thatta, on Thursday. Palijo said all over the world the people of coastal areas and those living in the delta near seaports were seen happy. But, he regretted in the coastal areas of Sindh, particularly Thatta, people are unhappy and it is evident from their faces. He said it was not only a big question for the rulers belonging to bigger province but also for the feudalists of Sindh who have kept common people of Sindh trapped in poverty while amassing wealth in their hands. He cited example of port cities Mumabi, Colombo, Pattaya, Singapore, Bali, Brighton, Miami & Hongkong where happiness seems dancing on the faces of the people living there. AT leader warned that if President Zardari was removed through any conspiracy, Awami Tahrik would be the first party to oppose it tooth and nail. He called upon the people to rise and fight for their rights. He bitterly criticised the present government for contemptuously ignoring their rights to appease some particular groups. Earlier, on entering the historical city Jhoke Sharif the participants of the long march, were given a rousing welcome by the residents of Jhoke and the adjoining areas and rose petals were showered on them at various places. The Long March was launched by AT from Kandhkot on 8th October for the realisation of the rights of Sindh and for a real people's democratic system in the country.

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=ts&nid=3167

Daily Dawn

PPP tilted towards the US, which had damaged its

popularity. It miserably failed to deliver & lost its

image-Ayaz Latif Palijo Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 5:40am

THATTA, Nov 14: Leaders of the Awami Tehrik have opposed attempts to dislodge the PPP government. Speaking to participants of a long march off the National Highway, they said that although the government adopted anti-Sindh polices and failed to solve basic issues of people, the AT would not anyone to topple its government AT leader Rasool Bux Palijo, president Ayaz Latif Palijo and Sindhiani Tehrik leader Zahida Shaikh were addressing participants of the long march off the National Highway on Saturday. Hundreds of people joined them to express solidarity. Participants raised slogans and staged a sit-in. Rassol Bux Palijo said that since the independence, leaders and bureaucrats had been protecting their vested interests. Now when Pakistan had gone bankrupt, leaders were accepting charity on specified terms laid down by the US. He said the AT was a practical party and fought for the rights of Sindhis. The long march would ensure legitimate rights of Sindh. Ayaz Latif Palijo said that there was no doubt that the PPP tilted towards the US, which had damaged its popularity. He said that it miserably failed to deliver and lost its image by supporting an ethnic group. He said the PPP remained a silent spectator on the murder of Benazir Bhutto, but the AT would never allow democratic process to derail. He said that it was always people’s struggle which solved their problems, therefore the long march would also redress injustices done with the people. Other speakers said that the proposal of Kalabagh Dam was not scrapped, but was in pipeline. They said that after completion of Raini Canal, lower Sindh would not get even a drop of water. Earlier, participants were accorded a warm welcome in Thatta where they reached on the 38th day of long march, which had started from Kashmore. http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/national/at-supports-ppp-govt-despite-antisindh-policies-519

Pakistan Christian Post

Sindh will move with “Walk of Survival” with

Awami Tehreek

Kandh Kot: November 17, 2009. (Raja Jee reports for PCP) Rasool Bux

Palijo’s Quomi Awami Long March is on its way to Karachi and will reach at Ghaghar Phattak, the outskirt of Karachi on 18th November and will

march four days in Karachi. On 22 November as its last 46th day it will be turned in Grand Peaceful Public Gathering from Mazar-e-Quid to Press Club Karachi. This march started from Kandh Kot, upper end of Sindh on

8th of October 2009 and by walking 20 to 25 kilometers daily thousands of marchers including men, women and children crossed Shikarpur,

Sukkur, Khairpur, Gambat, Kandiaro, Noshehro Feroz, Moro, Qazi Ahmed, Sakrand, Hala, Bhit Shah, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Shah

Karim Bulri, Mirpur Bathoro, Sijawal, Thatto and Dabeji. This distance becomes around 1000 kilometers and scheduled days are 46. To cover the breadth/ other sides of Sindh merging short marches have also joined the

main march which includes as (1). Ratodero to Shikarpur (2). Dadu to Moro (3). Nawabshah to Sakrand (4). Tando Allahyar to Hyderabad (5).

Matli to Tando Mohammad Khan (6). Daro to Mirpur Bathoro. Distributed pamphlet tells the following aim and objectives:

Right of governance with complete autonomy as per 1940 resolution

instead of rule of imperial forces and their agents. Hold back the right over natural resources, oil, coal, gas, islands, and

coastline.

Right of water of River Indus as per Sindh - Punjab Pact 1945 Stoppage of controversial water projects i.e. Dams on river Indus and Thal

canal.

·Stop alleged settlements of outsiders in Sindh to convert indigenous population in minority.

·Reject allotment of million acres of provincial land to non Sindhi population and multinational companies for illegal possession over cities.

·Restrain Sindhi students from admission in educational institutions of Karachi and preserving Institution from copy, weapon, Bhata culture.

·Uproot all forms of Terrorism as state, urban, tribal, and religious in cities

and lawlessness in rural areas by so called urban rulers and feudal lords. ·Protest against Continuous unemployment and non observance of due

share in jobs for Sindhis in judiciary, military, financial institutions, autonomous authorities and other departments.

·Protest against Jirga system, Honour killing, Karo Kari, immature

marriages and other violence against women and minorities.

It is the fifth long march by Awami Tahreek first in December 1991 from Sukkur to Karachi, second in 1994 from Hyderabad to Karachi, third in

2001 from Bhitshah to Karachi, forth is from Sukkur to Karachi in 2005 and this is longest fifth one. There is no doubt in saying that Awami Tahreek always gained huge support from publics and their struggle

remained peaceful and non-violent. No scratch on any vehicle or any damage to property or misbehave to any persons on any basis of sect,

language or creed were reported so far. But in 2001,they faced baton charge, injuries, bloodshed, lockups, and tear gas shells each day by police in a bid to foil the long march and they set new example of bravery

ahead the government blockade, torture, brutality and aggression and succeeded to reach Karachi peacefully.

Awami Tahreek was formed on 1970 aiming to establish a welfare state with participation of renowned Marxist-Leninist-Maoist writers, political

activists and intellectuals under leading theoretician Rasool Bux Palijo. Besides contribution in all democratic and human right struggles in

Pakistan, the active role of Awami Tahreek is largely recognized in Anti One- Unit, MRD, Anti Kalabagh Dam, anti urban terrorism, restoration of

judiciary , violence in educational institutions and violence against women and peasant in all over Pakistan.

Founder of Awami Tahreek Rasool Bux Palijo (80) is a well-known politician of Pakistan and he earned the fame in struggling against

feudalisms, marshal-laws, establishment, colonialism and imperialism. Besides top constitutional and criminal lawyer, he is an authority over world history, philosophy, science, religion and political theories and also

wrote more than 40 books on numerous subjects. He remained about 11 years in jail and declared as Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty

International in 1981. Organizing women and Hindu scheduled Castes are his more remarkable and revolutionary traits. His continuous love, affection and guide uplifted them as first class citizens and He has broken

the walls of untouchability and chains of women slavery very practically.

During passing through no-go area of Saradars in Kadh Kot, Rasool Bux Palijo expressed his views as “Through planned conspiracy, big cities of Sindh are handed over to terrorists while the rurals areas have been

distributed to tribal chiefs and Jagidars and both are the agents of imperial forces. Feudalism and urban terrorism are being nourished by

dictators and imperial agencies to maintain status quo. Criminal negligence of present government over the urban terrorism on Sindhi and tribal terrorism over women and Hindus are very shameful. However, the

sons and daughters of Sindh without any discrimination of caste, tribe, creed and religion are ready to play their role in struggle to get back

sovereignty of Sindh and the resources of Sindh”. Averagely 500 men, women and children have walked in changing

weather from hot to cold in the entire province on foot and when crossed through towns and cities the caravan turned into huge public gatherings.

Leaders spoke there to highlight the issue and purposes. Caravan received warm welcome by local organizations, political parties, civil societies, bar associations at every stop along National Highway. There were singers

who kept the participants energized with revolutionary songs of Shah Latif, Faiz Amed Faiz, Shaikh Ayaz, Habib Jalib, Ustad Bukhari, Sahir

Ludhiyanvi, and Bhagat Kabir and also the well-worded poetic slogans were chanted as

· Jo America jo yaar aa - Ghadaar aa Ghadar aa.

· Qudarati waseela - Awam ji hawaley kario.

· Karo-kari ain jirga system - Na manzoor no manzoor. · Daryan ji Aabadgari - Band Kario band kario

· 12 May ain 18 October Ja qatil - Girftar kario Girftar kario

· Jagia Jagia - Sindhi Jagia.

· Sindhu te ko b dam - Na khapey Na khapey

· Rahbar Sindhi Quom jo – Rasool Bux Palijo

· Kery-lugar ain NRO - Na manzoor Na manzoor · Dahishat garidi ain Gunda Gardi - Band Kario band kario

Besides the frequent appearances of Rasool Bux Palijo (Cardiac Patient),

Advocate Ayaz Lalif Palijo, Sayed Aalam Shah, Mohammad Khan Bhurgri, Qadir Ranto, Hakeem Halepoto of Awami Tahreek and Umrah Samo, Zahida Shaikh, Nazir Qureshi, Husna Rahujo, Kalavanti Raja, Kalsoom

Halepoto of Sindhiyani Tahreek are leading the March. Ayaz Latif Palijo (44), Awami Tahreek’s current president possessing

moving and shaking personality and having very vast knowledge and grip over the issue of Sindh told that “Today Sindh is passing famine like situation. People are committing suicide and selling their children due

allegedly made price hike and corruption. Broad day-light dacoity is made on water, finances, employment and resources of coming generations.

How long the rulers embroil the people of Sindh in concocted stories? People are full of hatred and warmly contributing their part in struggle. Hugely participation of public and political groups irrespective of socio-

political and religious affiliations proved that Sindh is united”. Mohammad Khan Bhurgri, General Secretary AT expressed the

significance of march as “It’s a mammoth demonstration and protest ever held in Pakistan. Main theme of this protest is restoration of all rights of Sindh and establishment of democratic republic welfare state. We are not

against any group or nation but we oppose those who perpetuate atrocities on Sindhis and other working classes of Pakistan. This march is

organized against ongoing unemployment, price hike, terrorism, lawlessness, corruption and shortage of water for which we have received tremendous response from masses, people are hosting break fasts,

Lunches, dinners and night stays voluntarily. ”

Ms. Umrah Samo, President of Sindhiyani Tahreek, replied when asked about hot weather, hard journey, as “It is tiring at instant but energizing and interesting ahead public enthusiasm, supportive attitude, hospitality,

walking along, showering of rose petals, offering of foods, juices, sweets, snakes, tea and milks by common people in thousands. At start some

were fairer but now we all are of same colour and complexions. Our refreshed health and fitness is just the byproduct of 46 days long march”.

Many surprising and emotional scenes were observed; some are as under:

1). During passing through Ghauspur hundreds of Hindu Bagri women appeared and joined march singing songs in their own language.

2). In Kumb city Menghwar Community welcome the long march with many baskets of sweets and celebrated Deevali Festival with Caravan.

3). Huge group of Young Shaikh Community leading by Latif Shaikh

received the long march like traditional Barat in Gambat and all danced for hours in the tunes of barati band-baja and drums.

4). Parents arranged the marriage of Sakina Maganhar but she joined March till the first ceremony of ‘wanwah’ and all marching women left her

with placing ‘Mendi’ on her hand palms and marriage songs.

5). Two old age (above 75 years) persons Ahmed Laghari and Ali Ghulam Nizamani are determined to walk for 46 days and many youngster of 7-10 years are in the walk. Women with infants are surprising entries.

6). A man near Sakrand stopped his car and left his wife and three

daughters in long march and come back at evening and repeated thrice. 7). Many Small tea hotel owners at rural side stopped the caravan and

forcibly offered the tea to all persons free. Ended all milk and tea and started walking.

8). All Gadi Nahins of Dargahs came across like Hazrat Sachal Sarmast, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Shah Inayat Shaheed Of Jhok Sharif have warmly

and culturally welcomed with presenting Ajraks and singing sufi songs.

Bravo! Awami Tahreek is well playing its role with befitting courage and sacrifice to aware, protest and project cause and demands in democratic and peaceful ways towards Government and all well wishers of Pakistan to

resolve the issues and make the country go on in well and honoured manner.

(Raja Jee is a social worker and civil society activist and can be contact at raja.jee.khi@gmail

Frontier Post

AT flays NFC decision to announce award in Lahore

G.N. Mughul

KARACHI: President, Awami Tehrik (AT), Ayaz Latif Palijo, has bitterly criticised

the announcement made from the platform of National Finance Commission

(NFC) the other day that vital decisions about NFC Award would be taken in

"Takht-e-Lahore". He wondered what sort of federation it is in which neither

Quetta, nor Peshawar and Karachi are competent to take any vital decision about

the distribution of resources while only "Takht-e-Lahore" have such powers? This

was stated by Ayaz Latif Palijo while addressing a press conference at Karachi

Press Club on Friday to divulge salient features of Long March launched by AT

since 8th October from tribal belt Kandhkot and is going to conclude on 45th day

near Karachi Press Club on Sunday. Ayaz Palijo, son of Rasul Bux Palijo, said in

principle the decision announced by NFC to distribute NDP on multiple factors

was welcomed but declared that if 70 per cent funds are distributed on the basis

of population while only 5 per cent are distributed on the basis of revenue then it

would just be peanut and would not be acceptable to the people of Sindh. He

ridiculed the "thesis" that data about the consumption etc would be needed to

evolve the formula and questioned as to who will monitor as to which

commodities are produced in which province and in which province it is

consumed. He expressed doubts that unnecessarily the issue was being

hoodwinked to deceive the smaller provinces like Sindh. He said it means "they"

want to create hurdles in the determination of Sindh's right on the basis of its

revenue contribution. Palijo suggested that difference would have to be made

between two categories of extremists - those who do not take arms and those

who take arms. He said operation would have to be launched against those

extremists who use arms while negotiations are advised to be held with those

who do not take up arms. As for AT Long March, Ayaz Latif said that through this

march seed has been sown for having a greater alliance of heterogenous political

parties. Citing example, he said, when 8th October long march was started from

Kandhkot, the workers and leaders of Jamiat e Islami, nationalist organisation

JSQM (headed by Bashir Khan Qureshi), PPP Shaheed Bhutto group, and Sindh

United Party (SUP) accompanied the march. While after few days JUI and STPP

leaders participated the long march. Besides, he said, a large number of

disgruntled PPP workers have also been part of the long march. Ayaz Latif Palijo

said that long march is against corrupt ruling Government, its allies and their

patron US. However, he made it clear that they did not intend to dislodge elected

democracy to be replaced with some Generals.

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=ts&nid=3262&ad=21-11-2009

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj)

Why Sindhi media is blocking coverage of Awami Tahreek’s Long March??? Raise your voice.

by: Shamshad Khuwaja

The way Sindhi media is ignoring the Long March of Awami Tahreek is not only shocking but rather an unethical act.. The Long March started from Kandhkot on 8th October and is being organized against ongoing unemployment, price-hike, terrorism, lawlessness and acute shortage of water in Sindh. For the last 39 days thousands of brave women and men passing through the tribal no-go-areas, towns, big cities and hundreds of thousands gathered in Hyderabad.

When our sisters and elders are marching 20 to 25 kms under scorching sun, their feet are injured and Sindh TV, Awaz, Mehran, Dharti, Daily Ibrat, Tameer Sindh and Awami Awaz are covering each and every important moment of the painstaking Long March and even The Dawn, Geo and ARY relayed the live coverage of Hyderabad and Thatta, we don’t know under whose orders some Sindhi T.V. channels have completely blocked the coverage of the Long March of Awami Tahrik.

The long march will ultimately reach at Karachi after 46 days and a grand peaceful protest rally of about a million people will be held in front of Press Club Karachi, Sindh…

Sindhi media and all other channels and newspapers are our assets and we consider the journalists working in those offices as our honest and professional brothers and sisters but unfortunately some news channels are following the path of blackmailer JAMADAR JAARO KHAN pattern and walking on the tracks of dhoom, starplus and jassarat and other certain substandard newspapers and channels, our genuine peaceful democratic struggle, our culture , heritage and language is not being delivered to the world in the right way as it is, our media is good for nothing, its a very disappointing thing.

Isn’t it the duty for every educated person to appeal in writing to the Sindhi media and other urdu and English newspapers and media to change their theme for the actual cause of spreading awareness of issues harming Sindh and 17 crore people of Pakistan and support struggle and culture of our motherland globally. People say that channels are after money and power and under the influence of few minsters and terrorists so they don’t bring truth in time..justify justly..or defend peoples rights daringly….most of politicians and feudals have purchased the media channels for their interests…moreover foreign powers, establishment and some terrorist organizations have got monopoly over these channels as they own them so we get all what they want to make us watch from their viewpoint….but the time has come when we should speak up and we must be careful and vigilant and monitor their role.

Daily Dawn

KARACHI: Demand for giving Sindh its due rights By Our Staff Reporter , Monday, 23 Nov, 2009

KARACHI, Nov 22: Participants of a long march after covering 900 kilometres on

foot in 46 days on arriving Karachi demanded that Sindh’s right over its resources

should be accepted and income generated from all resources, including oil, gas

and two seaports, should be handed over to the province.

The long march, which started from Kandhkot under the auspices of the Sindh

Awami Tehrik and was joined by other political parties on the way, reached

Karachi on Sunday. A large number of woman activists of the Sindhyani Tehrik

also participated in the march.

The rally, which was led by Sindh Awami Tehrik chief Rasool Bakhsh Palejo, was

addressed by Ayaz Latif Palejo, Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party chairman Dr Qadir

Magsi, National Workers Party leaders Yusuf Masti Khan and Usman Baloch,

Tehrik-i-Insaf’s Imran Ismail, Sindh National Party’s Amir Bhambhro, PML-N’s

Ismail Rahu, and Sindhi Shagird Tehrik’s Shah Mohammad Shah.

The leaders said that exploitation of Sindh’s resources by successive rulers had

increased poverty in the province.

A resolution passed on the occasion demanded that in the next National Finance

Commission Award, the principle of revenue generation and collection should be

conceded and the Water Accord of 1991 should be implemented.

The resolution said that those who had taken advantage of the NRO should be

removed from the government.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-

newspaper/local/karachi-demand-for-giving-sindh-its-due-rights-319

The News International

Awami Tehreek’s long march concludes

Rally asks govt to deliver or quit Demands raising Sindh’s admission quota in Karachi-based educational institutions, higher positions for Sindhis in armed forces, appointment of Sindhi judges in SHC, Sindhi-speaking chief secretary and police chief. Monday, November 23, 2009, By Zeeshan Azmat

The 46-day long march started by the Awami Tehreek (AT) on October 8 from Kandhkot culminated in Karachi on Sunday with a huge gathering on Zaibunissa Street, where speakers delivered fiery speeches

criticizing the government and the United States.

The gathering, which was scheduled to initially take place at the Karachi Press Club but owing to the sheer numbers had to be relocated to Zaibunissa Street near Rex Complex, Saddar, was addressed by

the leaders of nationalist and religious parties, including veteran politician Rasool Bux Palijo.

Palijo, in his speech to the ‘Awami Long March’, criticised the government for taking dictation from the United States and asked the government to control and run the country’s affairs on its own or quit.

The senior politician also asked the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) beneficiaries to face charges in the courts.

“Killing people is a greater sin than corruption, and those who are saying that they were not involved in

corruption should face murder charges in the courts,” he said, adding: “it is unfortunate that a few people have taken over the control of the city and they have been given free hand by the authorities

sitting in Islamabad.”

Palijo said: “People should understand the issues and problems they are facing at the moment, as our governments have been trying to make this country a US colony. “The US imperials are worse than the

British emperors. The US imperial kills even those who support and work for their agenda and the killing of General Ziaul Haq is one such example in this regard.

“Liaquat Ali Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir Bhutto were among those who had

served US. However, no one asked why these leaders were killed and what the motive of their murder was.”

He also quoted several incidents, including the fall of Dhaka as well as interference in Afghanistan, and linked it to the corruption of politicians to protect their own seats. Pointing to the feudals, he said that

they were involved in land-grabbing and they also supported anti-social elements in Karachi.

He alleged that former president Ghulam Ishaq Khan had offered weapons to Awami Tehrik (AT) to fight against other groups, but this offer was rejected by the party leadership. “We are peace-loving

people and want to solve the issues of the people and not to keep them lingering,” he added.

The Ziabunissa Street was completely packed with hundreds of Sindhi and Baloch nationalist parties’ activists and leaders. Workers of other organisations were also present carrying their respective party

flags. The AT long march participants travelled for 46 continuous days to raise awareness among the people to realise their rights as well as for the establishment of a true democratic system based on

people’s choice.

Earlier, Central President AT Ayaz Latif Palijo alleged that the people of Sindh were not drawing any benefits from their own natural resources, and claimed that there was no water for the people of the

province and the locals have been deprived of basic health and education facilities.

“There is lawlessness in the country, particularly Sindh. The writ of the government is nowhere. We

have to fight against all these odds,” he added. Ayaz Palijo also criticised President Zardari, saying that he made lots of promises before taking the charge but failed to deliver any.

Ayaz Palijo, who delivered speeches in Sindhi, Urdu, English and Balochi, said that the people of Sindh

want provincial autonomy as per the 1940 Resolution and the natural resources of Sindh should be

handed over to its people.

On the occasion, a resolution was approved which demanded for raising Sindh’s admission quota in Karachi-based educational institutions by 80 per cent.

It also demanded for giving Sindhis higher positions in the Armed forces, appointment of Sindhi judges

in the High Court as well as inducting a Sindhi-speaking chief secretary and inspector general of police in the province.

Ayaz Palijo asked the participants to observe one minute silence in memory of Shahnawaz Bhutto, Nadir

Baloch, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi and Abdullah Murad.

Shah Muhammad Shah of Sindh Safe Movement said that not a single nationalist took advantage from NRO because “we are fighting for our rights and not for personal benefits”.

President Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party Dr Qadir Magsi said that the government never listens to the

complaints of poor people, adding: “If the government does not stop this practice, the people would throw them out of power”. Marvi Memon of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid said that provincial

autonomy would strengthen the federation.

The representatives of Sindh United Party, Pakistan People’s Party (Shaheed Bhutto Group), Jeay Sindh

Qaumi Mahaz, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, Jamaat-e-Islami, Sindh National Party and various Baloch and Siraiki organisations also welcomed the rally and extended their support to AT

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=209986

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj)

AWAMI TAHREEK LONG MARCH: A remarkable &

unprecedented massive show of strength

Report by: Khalid Baloch

Baloch-Sindhis, Kachee-Sindhis, Selawat-Sindhis, Seraiki-Sindhis and Memon-Sindhis of Karachi participated overwhelmingly

The scene on M.A Jinnah Road Karachi and Saddar today was remarkable and unprecedented—hundreds of thousands of Sindhis marched into the heart of a major Pakistani city, stopping all traffic and disrupting business as usual for a whole weekend afternoon to demand that their voices be heard. Awami Tahreek protesters left their villages, towns, workplaces, and neighborhoods all over the Karachi region and beyond to converge on the front road of Mazzar-e-Quaid area. And they delivered an unmistakable NO to the discrimination and injustices against Sindhis, Balochs and other oppressed nations.

This historic LONG MARCH led by Awami Tahreek’s president Ayaz Latif Palijo was a national show of strength and unity for the local population of Karachi, Thatta and Jamshoro Districts and sent shock-waves far and wide-throughout this metropolitan and the entire country. Thousands of marchers were walking since October 8th and hundreds of thousands arrived today in hundreds of chartered buses and trucks. Though the protesters were non-violent and were not attempting to obstruct any road, but their strength and movement jammed the taxis and the mini-buses. Cars and vans stopped to pick up people on street corners who weren’t able to get on the crowded city buses heading toward the march starting point.

Awami Tahreek and Sindhiani Tahreek workers took to the streets in Karachi in protests timed to coincide with the announcement of NFC and Bill for the Provincial Autonomy and the two main speeches of Mr. Rasool Bux Palijo and Ayaz Latif Palijo paved the path for participants to shout, “Sindh belongs to Sindhis”, “Petrol, Gas, Coal, Port and Indus belong to Sindhis” and “Implement 1940 Resolution”

Aerial news footages of TV channel showed the streets throughout the Mazzar-e-Quaid and Zaibunissa Street packed with Sindhi women. Estimates of the size of this massive show of strength reached upwards of 180000 to 200000. The people who came out were mainly Sindhis, overwhelmingly party workers and followers of veteran thinker and politicians Rasool Bux Palijo but the participation of Balochs, Kachees and Seraikis was very important and positive. First time a march of a Sindhi Nationalist political party was the big head line evening news for all English, Urdu and Sindhi TV channels.(Dawn TV, GEO, Samaa, KTN, Sindh TV, Awaz, Mehran, Aaj, ARY, Duniya & Waqt TV)

http://iaoj.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/awami-tahreek-long-march-a-remarkable-unprecedented-massive-show-of-strength/#more-8944

Daily Times

Atrocities against Sindh condemned

By Irfan Ali

KARACHI: Sindh Awami Tehreek (AT) chief Rasool Bux Palijo on Sunday addressed a huge

gathering that was called to condemn the atrocities against Sindh, and demand the

province’s rights including its due share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

Calling the gathering at Zaibunnisa Street a success, he said Sindh was suffering from

many forms of injustice since the creation of Pakistan adding, “This long march has

brought a message of unity and brotherhood for all the communities of the country.”

The ‘Qaumi Awami Long March’ that started from Khandkot on October 8, under the

leadership of AT chief, and the newly elected party president and human rights lawyer,

Ayaz Latif Palijo, culminated after a 900 km walk.

Thousands of people, including women and children, participated to demand provincial

autonomy under the 1940 Resolution, a fair NFC Award, and basic amenities such as

water, education etc. The participants also demanded measures against corruption,

lawlessness, terrorism, unemployment, price hike and artificial inflation.

Other participant parties were the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, Pakistan Tehreek Insaf,

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Workers Party, Save Sindh

Movement, and nationalist parties including Sindh Taraqi Passand Party, Jeay Sindh Qaumi

Mahaz, Sindh United Party and Sindh National Party.

The AT chief said the migrants from India must sit with them as brothers and not adopt an

imperialistic attitude towards Sindhis.

Calling all immigrants illegal who came to Pakistan after 1954, he urged the government to

send them back to India.

He termed the National Reconciliation Ordinance a shameful act of shielding the

perpetrators of heinous crimes against Sindhis, and said all culprits must be brought

before a court of law.

The AT chief also spoke about Benazir Bhutto’s murder and criticised the PPP leadership for

its failure in taking any worthwhile action this regard, as well as its inability to arrest the

killers of other political leaders and activists.

Criticising the partnership between the PPP and the MQM on the occasion, he said

President Zardari has the powers to appoint the chief of the army staff, but is powerless in

posting a Sindhi speaking chief secretary and IGP for the province.

The AT chief on the occasion invited Baloch, Pukhtoons, oppressed Punjabis and Siraikis for

a joint struggle of rights. He said that the anti-women impression about Sindh would be

dispersed today after a massive representation of women participants in the long march.

Criticising the PPP government for selling out government jobs to ‘Waderas’ and ministers,

he complained that the doors of educational institutions are closed for Sindhi students in

Karachi.

Terming the federal and city governments as usurpers, he condemned the forcible taking

over of coal and oil reserves, islands and fishing areas of Sindh. He said the AT is not

against any group or nation but is opposed to the perpetrators of atrocities.

“The real heirs of Benazir Bhutto are the workers of the Awami Tehreek, who are

struggling for the rights of the people,” he claimed and demanded that all the people

mentioned in the NRO should resign from government posts. STPP Chief Dr Qadir Magsi

said that the people whose murder cases were withdrawn under the NRO should be

brought before the courts.

PML-Q MNA Marvi Memon said that her party is striving for the salvation of real issues

faced by the people, adding that she will raise her voice in the National Assembly for the judicious share of Sindh in the NFC Award, water and other resources.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\11\23\story_23-11-2009_pg12_1

The Nation

Country under symbolic US slavery: Palijo

By: Ramzan Chandio | Published: November 23, 2009

KARACHI - The Chief of Sindhi Awami Tehreek (AT), Rasool Bux Palijo, has said that the country is under symbolic slavery of United States of America which is worse than the colonialism of British era. Addressing a huge gathering of Long March at Zaibunnisa Street here on Sunday, Palijo said that the USA was involved in the murders of all the rulers of the country, who were remained the agent of the USA in Pakistan. “Sindh is facing many forms of injustices since the creation of Pakistan and these atrocities are still continues. This Long March has brought the message of unity and brotherhood for all the communities of the country,” he added. The Qaumi Awami Long March was started in the leadership of Awami Tahreek’s chief Rasool Bux Palijo and newly elected Central President of the party and Human Rights lawyer, Ayaz Latif Palijo, from Kandhkot on October 8, 2009. Covering over 900 kilometres and 46 days of journey through walk, it culminated on November 22 (Sunday) at Karachi. Thousands of women, men and children participated in the Long March for provincial autonomy under 1940 Resolution, for judicious NFC Award, water, education, resources and rights of Sindh, and against corruption, lawlessness, terrorism, unemployment, price hike and inflation. Besides the leaders of the PML-Q, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), PML-N, Jamiat Islami, National Workers party, Save Sindh Movement, the nationalist parties of Sindh including Sindhi Taraqi Passand Party, JSQM, Sindh United Party, Sindh National Party had supported the struggle and also participated in the Long March. AT chief, in his speech, also extended offer to the communities who came from the India, to sit together as brothers but also warned that that they should not speak with the Sindhis as imperial masters.

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Regional/Karachi/23-Nov-2009/Country-under-symbolic-US-slavery-Palijo

Regional Times

Long March held in Karachi Paleejo demands

provincial autonomy for Sindh

KARACHI: Awami Tehreek (AT) chief and political leader, Rasool Bux Palejo on Sunday said provincial autonomy should be given to Sindh according to the 1940 resolution, adding that its people should be given the ownership rights of the resources of the province. Addressing the participants of a Long March here, he said that the people of Sindh have been deprived of their due rights since 1947, adding that the purpose of holding a Long March is to highlight the grievances of the people and resolve them on a priority basis. Mr Palejo said that who will protect the national frontiers, if the military is tasked for an operation inside the country. The speakers on the occasion said that the rulers are busy with winning for the US and other western powers to get an extension in their service term.’ “We have been fighting against the oppressors since the time of Alexandra the Great and we have asked the establishment to stanch the measures against Sindh,” he observed. A large number of people, intellectuals and nationalists leaders participated in the Long March.—Agencies

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj)

JSQM, AT rallies: A salute to the heroes on the battlefield

23 11 2009 by: Aziz Narejo, TX

Pushed to the wall, the people in Sindh seem to be coming together. First JSQM’s mammoth rally of November 7 and now AT’s big public meeting at the culmination of its 46-day, 900-kilometer “Long March” in Karachi today. Another party, STP is to hold a grand rally in Karachi in January.

Congratulations to Jeeaey Sindh Qaumi Muhaz and Awami Tahreek for their peaceful and highly successful rallies and best wishes to Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party for their upcoming event.

It is auspicious to see major political parties and groups in Sindh coming together to work for the rights of the people. Hope their cooperation with each other will help end injustices and bring peace and prosperity to the people and the land who have suffered heavily during last 62 years under various democratic as well as undemocratic regimes.

The next step should be sitting together of the leadership of these parties and groups and chalking out a plan to take Sindh back. Holding big rallies is good but should be considered only a beginning of a thorny and complex journey.

Indus Asia Online Journal (iaoj)

Historical Sindh Long March of 1000 kilometers

24 11 2009 By: Raja Jee

On 22nd November, Quomi Awami Long March led by Rasool Bux Palijo has reached Karachi, and thousands of Man, women and children marched from Mazar-e-Quid to Imprest Market, the historical place from where Sindh played his role in 1857 war against British. Main leadership of Muslim League (N), Jamait-e-Islami, Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party, Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf, Muslim League (Q) and civil society showed absolute solidarity and participated in this Grand Peaceful Public Gathering of more than two hundred thousand Sindhis including about fifty thousand women. Participation and unanimous support of leaders of various political parties indicates that they are united over the issues and all called this event as most exceptional, mammoth, unique and longest protest march in Indo-Pak history and congratulated Awami Tahreek and Rasool Bux Palijo for this heart-awakening march. First time a march of a Sindhi Nationalist political party was the big head line evening news for all English, Urdu and Sindhi TV channels and named as a remarkable and unprecedented massive show of strength of indigenous local people.

This march started from Kandh Kot, upper end of Sindh on 8th of October 2009 and by walking 20 to 25 kilometers daily thousands of marchers including men, women and children crossed Shikarpur, Sukkur, Khairpur, Gambat, Kandiaro, Noshehro Feroz, Moro, Qazi Ahmed, Sakrand, Hala, Bhit Shah, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Shah Karim Bulri, Mirpur Bathoro, Sijawal, Thatto, Dabeji, Ghaghar phattak, Quidabad, Malir, Bhitai Abad, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Guru Mander to reach Destination. This distance became around 1000 kilometers which was covered in 46 days as scheduled. The main route of March touched from one end to other end (North to South)of Sindh province where to cover the breadth/ other sides of Sindh merging short marches have also joined the main march which includes as (1). Ratodero to Shikarpur (2). Dadu to Moro (3). Nawabshah to Sakrand (4). Tando Allahyar to Hyderabad (5). Matli to Tando Mohammad Khan (6). Daro to Mirpur Bathoro. In this way this tree shaped march touched every district of Sindh.

Distributed pamphlet tells the following aim and objectives:

• Right of governance with complete autonomy as per 1940 resolution instead of rule of imperial forces and their agents.

• Hold back the right over natural resources, oil, coal, gas, islands, and coastline.

• Right of water of River Indus as per Sindh – Punjab Pact 1945

• Stoppage of controversial water projects i.e. Dams on river Indus and Thal canal.

• Stop alleged settlements of outsiders in Sindh to convert indigenous population in minority.

• Reject allotment of million acres of provincial land to non Sindhi population and multinational companies for illegal possession over cities.

• Restrain Sindhi students from admission in educational institutions of Karachi and preserving Institution from copy, weapon, Bhata culture.

• Uproot all forms of Terrorism as state, urban, tribal, and religious in cities and lawlessness in rural areas by so called urban rulers and feudal lords.

• Protest against Continuous unemployment and non observance of due share in jobs for Sindhis in judiciary, military, financial institutions, autonomous authorities and other departments.

• Protest against Jirga system, Honour killing, Karo Kari, immature marriages and other violence against women and minorities.

It is the fifth long march by Awami Tahreek first in December 1991 from Sukkur to Karachi, second in 1994 from Hyderabad to Karachi, third in 2001 from Bhitshah to Karachi, forth is from Sukkur to Karachi in 2005 and this is longest fifth one. There is no doubt in saying that Awami Tahreek always gained huge support from publics and their struggle remained peaceful and non-violent. No scratch on any vehicle or any damage to property or misbehave to any persons on any basis of sect, language or creed were reported so far. On the other hand in 2001, they faced baton charge, injuries, bloodshed, lockups, and tear gas shells each day by police in a bid to foil the long march and they set new example of bravery ahead the government blockade, torture, brutality and aggression and succeeded to reach Karachi peacefully.

Awami Tahreek was formed on 1970 aiming to establish a welfare state with participation of renowned Marxist-Leninist-Maoist writers, political activists and intellectuals under leading theoretician Rasool Bux Palijo. Besides contribution in all democratic and human right struggles in Pakistan, the active role of Awami Tahreek is largely recognized in Anti One- Unit, MRD, Anti Kalabagh Dam, anti urban terrorism, restoration of judiciary , violence in educational institutions and violence against women and peasant in all over Pakistan.

Founder of Awami Tahreek Rasool Bux Palijo (80) is a well-known politician of Pakistan and he earned the fame in struggling against feudalisms, marshal-laws, establishment, colonialism and imperialism. Besides top constitutional and criminal lawyer, he is an authority over world history, philosophy, science, religion and political theories and also wrote more than 40 books on numerous subjects. He remained about 11 years in jail and declared as Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International in 1981. Organizing women and Hindu scheduled Castes are his more remarkable and revolutionary traits. His continuous love, affection and guide uplifted them as first class citizens and He has broken the walls of untouchability and chains of women slavery very practically.

During passing through no-go area of Saradars in Kadh Kot, Rasool Bux Palijo expressed his views as “Through planned conspiracy, big cities of Sindh are handed over to terrorists while the rurals areas have been distributed to tribal chiefs and Jagidars and both are the agents of imperial forces. Feudalism and urban terrorism are being nourished by dictators and imperial agencies to maintain status quo. Criminal negligence of present government over the urban terrorism on Sindhi and tribal terrorism over women and Hindus are very shameful. However, the sons and

daughters of Sindh without any discrimination of caste, tribe, creed and religion are ready to play their role in struggle to get back sovereignty of Sindh and the resources of Sindh”.

Averagely 500 men, women and children have walked in changing weather from hot to cold in the entire province on foot and when crossed through towns and cities the caravan turned into huge public gatherings. Leaders spoke there to highlight the issue and purposes. Caravan received warm welcome by local organizations, political parties, civil societies, bar associations at every stop along National Highway. There were singers who kept the participants energized with revolutionary songs of Shah Latif, Faiz Amed Faiz, Shaikh Ayaz, Habib Jalib, Ustad Bukhari, Sahir Ludhiyanvi, and Bhagat Kabir and also the well-worded poetic slogans were loudly chanted with pleasant rhythms as

• Jo America jo yaar aa – Ghadaar aa Ghadar aa.

• Qudarati waseela – Awam ji hawaley kario.

• Karo-kari ain jirga system – Na manzoor no manzoor.

• Daryan ji Aabadgari – Band Kario band kario

• 12 May ain 18 October Ja qatil – Girftar kario Girftar kario

• Jagia Jagia – Sindhi Jagia.

• Sindhu te ko b dam – Na khapey Na khapey

• Rahbar Sindhi Quom jo – Rasool Bux Palijo

• Kery-lugar ain NRO – Na manzoor Na manzoor

• Dahishat garidi ain Gunda Gardi – Band Kario band kario

Besides the frequent appearances of Rasool Bux Palijo (Cardiac Patient), Advocate Ayaz Lalif Palijo, Sayed Aalam Shah, Mohammad Khan Bhurgri, Qadir Ranto, Hakeem Halepoto, Mazhar Rahujo of Awami Tahreek and Umrah Samo, Zahida Shaikh, Nazir Qureshi, Husna Rahujo, Marium Gopang, Kalavanti Raja, Fahmaida Soomro, Azmat Halepoto of Sindhiyani Tahreek are leading the March.

Ayaz Latif Palijo (44), Awami Tahreek’s current president possessing moving and shaking personality and having very vast knowledge and grip over the issue of Sindh told that “Today Sindh is passing famine like situation. People are committing suicide and selling their children due allegedly made price hike and corruption. Broad day-light dacoity is made on water, finances, employment and resources of coming generations. How long the rulers embroil the people of Sindh in concocted stories? People are full of hatred and warmly contributing their part in struggle. Hugely participation of public and political groups irrespective of socio-political and religious affiliations proved that Sindh is united”.

Mohammad Khan Bhurgri, General Secretary AT expressed the significance of march as “It’s a mammoth demonstration and protest ever held in Pakistan. Main theme of

this protest is restoration of all rights of Sindh and establishment of democratic republic welfare state. We are not against any group or nation but we oppose those who perpetuate atrocities on Sindhis and other working classes of Pakistan. This march is organized against ongoing unemployment, price hike, terrorism, lawlessness, corruption and shortage of water for which we have received tremendous response from masses, people are hosting break fasts, Lunches, dinners and night stays voluntarily. ”

Ms. Umrah Samo, President of Sindhiyani Tahreek, replied when asked about hot weather, hard journey, as “It is tiring at instant but energizing and interesting ahead public enthusiasm, supportive attitude, hospitality, walking along, showering of rose petals, offering of foods, juices, sweets, snakes, tea and milks by common people in thousands. At start some were fairer but now we all are of same colour and complexions. Our refreshed health and fitness is just the byproduct of 46 days long march”.

Many surprising and emotional scenes were observed; some memories shared by Mr. Riaz Ahmed Pechuho, a 46 days marcher, are as under:

1). During passing through Ghauspur hundreds of Hindu Bagri women appeared and joined march singing songs in their own language.

2). In Kumb city Menghwar Community welcome the long march with many baskets of sweets and celebrated Deevali Festival with Caravan.

3). Huge group of Young Shaikh Community leading by Latif Shaikh received the long march like traditional Barat in Gambat and all danced for hours in the tunes of barati band-baja and drums.

4). Parents arranged the marriage of Sakina Maganhar but she joined March till the first ceremony of ‘wanwah’ and all marching women left her with placing ‘Mendi’ on her hand palms and marriage songs.

5). Two old age (above 75 years) persons Ahmed Laghari and Ali Ghulam Nizamani are determined to walk for 46 days and many youngster of 7-10 years are in the walk. Women with infants are surprising entries.

6). A man near Sakrand stopped his car and left his wife and three daughters in long march and come back at evening and repeated thrice.

7). Many Small tea hotel owners at rural side stopped the caravan and forcibly offered the tea to all persons free. Ended all milk and tea and started walking.

8). All Gadi Nahins of Dargahs as came across like Hazrat Sachal Sarmast, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Shah Inayat Shaheed Of Jhok Sharif have warmly and culturally welcomed with presenting Ajraks and singing sufi songs and showed complete solidarity with march objectives.

9). Feet of participants were wounded and swelled but the glow of their eyes were very shining and they kept the victorious smile on their faces.

10). Many women carried their milk feeding babies on their waists and continued 46 days march with a military discipline.

Bravo! Awami Tahreek have played well its role with befitting courage and sacrifice to aware, protest and project the cause and demands of Sindh in democratic, disciplined and peaceful ways towards Government and all well wishers of Pakistan and stressed to resolve the issues and make the country go on in well and honoured manner.

(The writer is a social worker and civil society activist. He can be reached at raja.jee.khi@gmail.com. )

http://iaoj.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/historical-sindh-long-march-of-1000-

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