JSFM condemns crackdown on Sindhi nationalist activists, seeks international intervention

London [UK], August 22 : The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) has condemned what it described as a crackdown, raids and alleged enforced disappearances targeting Sindhi nationalist political activists in Sindh, and urged the international community to intervene, according to a JSFM press release.
In a joint statement, JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro and Central Committee members Zubair Lakho, Amar Azadi, Mansoor Hab, Muhammad Usama Soomro, Murk Sindhi, Hosho Sindhi, Mohd Ali Nonari, Abdul Sattar Bhatti and Masood Ahmed Shah alleged that the reported disappearances and raids amounted to violations of fundamental rights and freedom of political expression, the press release said.
According to the JSFM statement, those reportedly missing include Akash Mallah, a leader of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM); Anwar Burdi, associated with Jeay Sindh Tehreek; and Aamir Ansari, Rashid Khoso and Khadim Dharejo, who are associated with JSQM (Arisar).
The group also raised concern over an alleged raid at the residence of JSFM Jamshoro leader Saeed Tweeno. JSFM claimed that his brother was taken away during the raid and subsequently remained missing, according to the press release.
The JSFM leadership alleged that the activists were being targeted for advocating what they described as the rights and interests of the people of Sindh and opposing the alleged exploitation of the province's resources.
The organisation maintained that peaceful political expression and advocacy should not be grounds for abduction, unlawful detention or enforced disappearance, the press release said.
JSFM has appealed to the United Nations, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the European Union, the United Kingdom and international human rights organisations to take note of the alleged incidents.
The organisation also called for independent and transparent investigations, information on the whereabouts and safety of the reportedly missing activists, and international pressure on the Government of Pakistan and relevant institutions to ensure respect for fundamental human rights, according to the JSFM press release.