Being bullied: 18 NGOs say PPP MNA is harassing them

RDF executive director wants a public apology from Mahesar.

HYDERABAD:

A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in Dadu has alleged that Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Dr Talat Mahesar is guilty of harassment and abduction.

These NGOs work in flood-affected areas and claim that the MNA tried to force the Research and Development Foundation (RDF) to provide free agricultural input in his supporters’ villages. “We are offering help to the flood-affected villages under a set criterion,” said RDF executive director Masood Mahesar. “We keep our limited resources in mind and try to allocate accordingly.” The RDF is currently distributing free agricultural input for crop growth in 100 villages near Dadu.

According to Mahesar, the MNA called him on July 17 and asked him to support two union coucils, Kazi Arif and Mangwani. Mahesar claims that the MNA was furious when he learnt that the RDF runs under a standard procedure set by the donors. “The following day six men who worked for the MNA knocked on my door and abducted my uncle Noor Ahmed,” he said.

Mahesar added that the men took his uncle to the MNA’s guest house and kept him there for several hours. “My uncle was humiliated, tortured and threatened with dire consequences. They also approached my brother and tried to intimidate him.” Reportedly, this was not the first time the RDF has been pressured by the MNA. Mahesar alleged that the RDF was previously being told to employ his men. “I want a public apology from the MNA,” said Mahesar. “We need to be assured that our work will not be interrupted or ruined in Mehar and Khairpur Nathan Shah tehsils.” Reportedly, the Mehar and Khairpur Nathan Shah tehsils were the worst flood-affected areas in Dadu.

According to the Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) executive director Mustafa Baloch, Dadu DPO Javed Jiskani has registered an FIR against the MNA and assured of full cooperation. “If the DPO does not back off, we will take this case to the Sindh High Court,” he said.

Baloch added that there were similar incidents in which NGO workers were threatened in different parts of the province. “We are trying to form a group to deal with such situations,” he said. “While a majority of people cooperate with our field workers there are some who do not understand the process of our work and ask for favours which we are unable to grant.”

The Express Tribune tried to contact the MNA for comment but the calls went unattended.

Helping hands

The RDF has identified 10,000 farming families who own less than five acres of land. These families are poor and live in the worst flood affected villages. The NGO is currently providing Rs32,000 per family for financial support and agricultural input for crop growth. They are also building 1,200 homes in these villages.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd,  2011.