Sindhi Culture Day: 78 booked for alleged anti-state activities in Sukkur, Faiz Ganj

Sukkur Dec 4,2023: During Sindhi Culture Day celebrations in Sukkur and Faiz Ganj of district Khairpur,  78 persons were booked for allegedly raising anti-state slogans.

The Sukkur police have registered a case against three known and 45 unknown individuals for their involvement in anti-state activities and obstruction of official duty. The case was filed at the A section police station in Sukkur based on a complaint by Zamir Hussain Khaskhali on behalf of the government.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the police received information about a gathering at Sukkur Globe Chowk Military Road where 45 to 50 people were blocking the road. Many of them were reportedly carrying flags of Jeay Sindh, as well as sticks and pistols. Notable figures among the unidentified individuals include Mujahid Abro, Akram Sheikh of Qureshi Village, and Sultan Sheikh of Shar Chowk Golimar. The FIR states that the accused hindered the police in the performance of their official duty by carrying pistols and sticks. The individuals fled towards Military Road while shouting slogans as the police were called to the scene. It’s noteworthy that a peaceful ceremony had taken place at Globe Chowk the day before, attended by a large number of people.

Simultaneously, another case has been filed against nine known and 21 unidentified workers of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) at Faizganj police station for allegedly raising slogans against the state and spreading hatred during Sindhi Culture Day celebrations. Among those named in the FIR are Yasin Lashari, Sikander Lashari, Ishtiaq Chang, Mansoor Khand, Shafiq Rajpar, and Fazal Muhammad. The FIR alleges that the accused blocked the road and chanted hateful slogans against the country.

JSQM leaders have refuted the allegations, asserting that they organized a peaceful rally and did not engage in any activities contrary to the law. They claim that the filed case is false. As legal proceedings continue, the incident raises concerns about potential tensions in the region stemming from cultural events taking a controversial turn.