Rising fanaticism: Attacks on temples in Sindh, anchorperson condemned

Also mourns death of legendary poet Rashid Morai.

Writers, poets, rights activists and intellectuals condemned attacks on Hindu temples in different parts of Sindh.

They were speaking at an event arranged by the Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) at the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Community Centre here, said a press release.

Through a resolution, they condemned attacks on Hindu temples in Larkana, Hyderabad and Mithi. “Sindh is a land of sufis who always preached tolerance, love for humanity. Such attacks are attacks on Sindh’s historic identity which was earned through their struggle and progressive people of Sindh,” said the resolution. The resolution demanded protection of minorities and their worship places. Writer and development professional Naseer Memon said, “Conspiracies by fanatic forces are afoot to malign the tolerant culture of Sindh, but the people of Sindh oppose such forces.”

Rights activist Zubaida Birwani said that the people of Sindh always rejected extremism and violence. “Local communities in Sindh are well integrated regardless of their religious identity and we demand that the authorities take steps to protect minorities’ life, property and places of worship,” she said.

The resolution also condemned the attack on anchor and writer Raza Rumi in which his driver was killed. It demanded that the perpetrators be arrested and brought to justice immediately.

Tributes to Rashid Morai

Participants of the gathering paid rich tributes to legendary writer and poet Rashid Morai, who passed away last week. Nizamuddin Laghari highlighted the deceased’s struggle for the rights of the marginalised class. “Morai represented the voice of poor, He was a true revolutionary poet,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2014.