Highlighting the bonded labor issue Green Rural Development Organization had planned a 12 day (1st March to 12th March 2005) long march from Jhudo to Hyderabad Press club. A gathering of more than 20,000 people from different districts of Sindh, Pakistan joined in the final phase of long march from Fateh Chowk to press club Hyderabad. This article highlights the activities of the marchers from 7th March to 12th March.

7th March
The marchers headed towards Khowaja stop where about 600 people welcomed the marchers. Peasants, labourers, social workers addressed the gathering and raised slogans in favor marchers. Dr. Dhal jee of Awami Tehreek, Paroo Mal, and comrade Ghulam Hussain demanded the release of peasants from bonded labour.

8th March
On the 8th, the protesters marched from Khowaja stop to Tando Allahyar. More than 1500 peasants of area welcomed the marchers and showered rose petals. Here Dr. Dhal jee Bheel, Comrade Nisar Ahmed Gopang of G.A Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, Dr. Ashok kumar of Awami Tehreek, Bhooro Cahal Chansi of Azad Hari Union, Mitho Khan of Pakistan Kisan Itehad, Comrade Ghulam Hussain of Green Rural Development Organization, and Lalee Kolahn gave speeches.

9th March
The marchers walked from Tando Allahyar to Khesana Moree. At Khesana Moree, workers of Pakistan Peoples Party welcomed the marchers and chanted slogans in favor of the demands of the marchers. They chanted Pakistan Zindabad, Hari Mazdoor Zindabad, Mazdoor Hari Paki Yari, Manoo Bheel Kay Bachay Azad Karo, Jabri Mushaqat mein phasey bachoon ko polio kay katrey pilaow, Nijee Jail khatam karo, Jabree Mushaqat khatam karo. The protestors also blocked the Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas road for one hour. Comrade Ghulam Hussain in his speech said that this was a peaceful movement. He also said that the marchers are planning on winding up the march on 12th March. However, if they failed to rescue at least the family of Manoo Bheel by that date, the struggle would continue till the rescue of Manoo Bheel’s family.

10th March
The protestors marched from Khesana moree to Tandojam where students of Agriculture University Tandojam welcomed them and chanted slogans in the favour of demands of marchers. Pakistan Peoples Party’s Spokesman Mr. Lal Muhammad Zardari addressed the marchers. He said that his Party strongly condemns the inhuman activities of landlords and demanded that the Government take action against culprits give the country a bad name. He said that these landlords were spoinling the image of motherland in international community. Professor Jan Muhammad Panhwer in his speech said that it was a pity to have bonded labour in this modern age. He advised all those who have bonded labourers to be human and not to spoil the image of humanity and country. He also mentioned that due to such activities, contracts of agriculture products of Pakistan were being cancelled. He cautioned them to be ready to face the WTO regime, and Globalization.

11th March
On the penultimate day of the march, the marchers, traveled via Detha chowk crossing Detha station. A large number of villagers and peasants attended the gathering at Detha station. Comrade Ghulam Hussain and Dr.Hyder addressed the participants of long march and stressed on the unity amongst peasants, labourers and people from the working class. They said that for the development of the country, equity in resources and balance in power are must. They demanded strict implementation of bonded labour abolition act from the government as well as agriculture reforms in the country. The marchers chanted Pakistan Zindabad, Hari Mazdoor Zindabad, Mazdoor Hari Paki Yari, Manoo Bheel Kay Bachay Azad Karo, Jabri Mushaqat mein phasey bachoon ko polio kay katrey pilaow, Nijee Jail khatam karo, Jabree Mushaqat khatam karo. The marchers walked to Ghanghra Moree Hyderababd.

12th March
On the last day of the march; the marcher’s headed towards Press club of Hyderabad. They started their journey from Ghanghra Moree at 9:30. People from different walks of life along with Comrade Jam Saqi, Aapa Nasreen Shakeel Pathan of HRCP, Dr. Dodo Maheri, Rehana chanar of Aurat Sabha, Usman Baloch of National Labour Party, Mitho Khan of Progressive Hari committee, Lal jee, Bhoro Mal, and Juma khan, Soba Bhati of shades joined the marchers. They were initiating the slogans against bonded labour, release of Manoo bheels family and others in private jails. About 2000 male, female peasants, mill workers, students and political parties’ workers were waiting for long marchers to join them at Fateh Chowk Hyderabad. Addressing the marchers at Fateh Chowk Dr. Hyder of GRDO said that they had started this march along peaceful lines, but if the peasants in bonded labour were not released the agitation could turn into a fight for the rights.

Comrade Lale said that they had been compelled to agitate - Men, women and children were in private jails - but no one was listening. He also said that even when girls were raped and men killed in private jails, the police did not accept their FIRs. The long march furthered their steps towards their destination along Auto Bhan road. District bar association members joined the long march near Sindh Regment Centre. NRSP ILO project friends Nazar Joyo, Ali Nawaz Nizamani, and reknown social worker Akhter Bhatti and his family members provided water to all the marchers. The marchers sat in infront of the RPO office and started slogans for the release of peasants in bonded labour including children of Manoo Bheel.

At this spot about 5000 Marchers - young, old, male, female, politicians, students, workers, and laborers - continued their walk towards press club Hyderabad. Upon reaching the DPO office, the marchers protested in front of the office. Some inspector level officers came out and negotiated with the marchers.

The marchers reached their final destination - Press club Hyderabad at 2:00 afternoon where Comrade Jam Saq, Nasreen Shakeel Pathan, Comrade Ghulam Hussain, Dr. Dodo Maheri, Puhal Sario, Ali Nawaz Nizamani, Dr. Ghulam Hyder, Mitho khan, Usman Baloch, Bhoro Chancey, Lal Jee , Soba Bhatti addressed the gathering.

The organizers can be contacted at Green Rural Development Organization, A-4, Hyderabad Town, Phase-II, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, E-mail: grdovsk@yahoo.com
Phone: 0092-222-656748

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