The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) has condemned the murder of its activist allegedly gunned down by the supporters of an influential contractor near the Hamal Lake in Qambar district.
The incident took place early Monday morning when some armed men shot dead Imdad Malah, son of Shafi Mohammed, on the spot and injured another fisherman, Muharram Malah.
According to reports, the fisher community people were on their way to the market when some people tried to snatch their catch, on which the fishermen showed resistance.
After the incident a large number of fisherfolk gathered at the scene and took the body of the deceased to mark protest outside the Larkana Police DIG office.
However, the police official, instead of lodging a case against the identified suspects, announced that the innocent fisherman was killed in an encounter.
The PFF spokesman said that despite the hue and cry against brutal acts, tortures, snatching fish catch, abusing fishermen and armed attacks on fisher families by landlords have become a routine. “It seems as if nothing is happening and the government is silent over the barbaric incidents,” it was said in a statement issued by the PFF.
The PFF claimed that the murderers after fleeing from the crime scene are sending messages to keep silent or face dire consequences.
The fishermen had challenged the feudal lords refusing to handover their catch as waters are free after abolishment of the contract system and no contractor is allowed to exploit fishermen.
Condemning the incident, PFF General Secretary Saeed Baloch and members Majeed Motani, Ishaq Meerani and Ghulam Qadir Mallah among others appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Sindh chief minister, fisheries minister, home minister and all political parties, civil society representatives and human rights activists to raise their voice against the brutalism of land lords.
“There is no justification to deprive fishermen of their catch and the accused shall be arrested according to the law; otherwise, the PFF will announce a country-wide protest against the hooliganism and exploitation,” the PFF warned.
The statement reminded Sindh Fisheries Minister to probe into the matter and bring the culprits to the book, as the fishermen are living an uncertain life.
The community leaders from different water bodies have also announced protests in their areas to express solidarity with the deceased’s family and friends.
The PFF spokesman said they have recently announced a year-long campaign to mark the year for protecting fishermen rights.
Terming the PFF activist’s murder a conspiracy, he said that it was due to the non-seriousness of the provincial government in providing security to the poor masses whose lives and livelihoods are at stake.
