Concerns Rise Over Missing Youth in Sindh
Missing youth in Sindh continues to be a profound concern, marking a distressing trend of enforced disappearances targeting intellects and activists across the province. Recent cases, including the reported abduction of Comrade Ghani Aman Chandio from a local hospital and the disappearance of Sarmad Mirani from Sachal Goth, have intensified calls for accountability and adherence to due process. These incidents spark broad discussions about the treatment of peaceful, educated citizens in Sindh, prompting questions about why the state is perceived to be so wary of critical voices among its populace.
The Targeting of Educated Sindhi Voices
The individuals often targeted are not extremists, but rather students, poets, writers, and social organizers deeply connected to Sindh’s rich Sufi and literary traditions. They are known for their advocacy of peace, democracy, and human rights, drawing inspiration from figures like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Their strength lies in their knowledge, logical discourse, and courage to expose injustices. These qualities, however, are sometimes viewed as a challenge to established systems of control and bureaucratic dominance.
Historical Context and Allegations of Colonial-Style Control
Since the inception of Pakistan, certain regions, including Sindh, Balochistan, Seraiki Waseb, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been perceived by some as subject to a security and bureaucratic establishment focused on resource control and maintaining a disempowered local populace. When Sindhis peacefully advocate for their fundamental rights, they reportedly face significant repercussions. The town of Moro serves as a notable example, where youth known for their education and cultural pride raised their voices against resource management policies, leading to alleged forceful reactions, raids, arrests, and even fatalities, according to local reports. SindhNews.com has also extensively covered these reports. This pattern, critics argue, aims to curb the development of educated Sindhi minds capable of independent thought and advocacy.
Addressing the Crisis of Missing Youth
A stark double standard is often highlighted: while groups associated with sectarian hatred or violence sometimes operate with relative impunity, peaceful Sindhi nationalists and activists are reportedly picked up from their homes, streets, and even hospitals without official charges or legal recourse. This disparity suggests that intellectual thought and peaceful political dissent may be perceived as a greater threat than overt violence by those in power.
In a period of significant geopolitical stress and evolving regional dynamics, concerns are raised that alienating one’s own populace could prove counterproductive. Unity built on trust and equality is essential for internal stability and facing external challenges effectively. The long-standing resilience of the Sindhi people, despite these challenges, remains unwavering. While individuals may be forcibly disappeared, the collective truth and the broader movement for justice are difficult to suppress permanently. The struggles of Ghani Aman Chandio and Sarmad Mirani resonate across Sindh, fueling a continued peaceful demand for human rights, dignity, and equality.
Conclusion
The ongoing enforced disappearances represent a critical human rights issue demanding urgent attention. Until these disappearances cease and all political prisoners are released, the pursuit of genuine peace and national cohesion will remain elusive. The continued demands for justice from communities in Sindh, Balochistan, Seraiki Waseb, and KPK highlight the widespread impact of these actions on national unity.