Like the Baloch and the Pashtuns, the Sindhis, too, are demanding politico-economic authority over their territory and freedom from what they claim is Pakistan occupation, human rights abuses and religious fundamentalism. At the forefront of the Sindhi struggle is the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz, which was declared a terrorist organisation by Pakistan in 2013.
JSMM chairman Shafi Burfat spoke exclusively to THE WEEK from exile in Germany about the growing popularity of the independence movement. Excerpts from an interview:
It has been many years since the partition, but you are talking about total independence for Sindh. How practical is the struggle?
The division of India on the basis of the two-nation theory was not the true independence our people fought for. A historic blunder was committed in 1947. The real identity crisis began when these nations (ethnic groups in Pakistan) were forced to abandon their pluralistic culture and politico-economic authority in the so-called Islamic state of Pakistan. Our struggle for independence is not new and has the support of the Sindhi people.
How big is the problem of religious conversions in Sindh?
The problem is worryingly intense as it is operated and backed by the Pakistan military establishment in Sindh and shadow religious organisations working under the army. Hindus, Ahmadis and Christians are forced to convert or flee the country.
What kind of extremist activities are going on in Sindh?
Thousands of madrassas have been built by the Punjabi establishment and army along Sindh’s border with India and on both sides of the national highway (from Punjab to Karachi). The main purpose of these buildups is to brainwash innocent Sindhis against India, whom they (Sindhis) see as a historical friend. On the other hand, [these madrassas] provide a safe haven to terrorists and produce religious extremists among Sindhis who can defend Pakistani territory or infiltrate the Indian border.
What is the extent of military deployment in these areas?
The military you are referring to as the Pakistan army is the Punjabi army. After Punjab and Kashmir, the largest deployment of the Punjabi army is in Sindh, with 19 major cantonments and countless smaller intelligence and execution units spread throughout every town and village of Sindh.
What kind of human rights violations are taking place in Sindh and Balochistan?
Political activists are abducted in broad daylight, brutally tortured, killed in cold blood and their mutilated bodies are either dumped on barren roadsides or on trash piles. The progressive, secular political voices have been banned. The majority of Pakistani politicians is “made in military” branded, like Imran Khan.
Do you support India’s air strikes in Balakot?
Pakistan is the epicentre of Islamist extremism and terrorism. They (terror groups) are the offshoots, strategic assets and B-teams of the Pakistan army. The Indian airstrikes in Balakot were a positive sign. This indicates that India has toughened its policy towards the terrorist state of Pakistan.
How do you see the militancy problem in Kashmir?
I have known many Kashmiri leaders from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who totally disregard the notion of religious nationalism sponsored by Pakistan. Brainwashed Kashmiri youth involved in terrorism must understand the dirty game of Pakistan, which is using their religious sentiments to carry forward its own strategic interests against India.
To read the full interview
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