IF THE WADERAS AND JAGEERDARS OF SINDH ARE PREPARED TO DISTRIBUTE THEIR LAND AMONGST THE POOR PEASANTS THEN WE ARE PREPARED TO EMBRACE THEM – ALTAF HUSSAIN

Nawabshah – 25 September 2002
MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has announced that if the (feudals) waderas and jageerdars of Sindh are prepared to distribute their land amongst the poor peasants then we are prepared to embrace them.  He was addressing MQM election rallies on Tuesday in Ghotki, Jam Sahab Nawabshah and Gharo, Thatta.  Thousands of people participated in these rallies.  During his address Mr Hussain reflected in detail upon the problems and injustices faced by the local residents of these areas and the people of Sindh in general.

Mr Altaf Hussain clarified that the MQM has no animosity towards the waderas, we only want the abolishment of the medieval feudal system and establish an egalitarian society, where all the citizens have equal rights irrespective of their cast, colour, ethnicity and even religion.  We want to bring to an end the slavery and oppression faced by the poor peasants, which is continuing for the past many years.  The inhabitants of villages and towns are also human and have the right to live as other human beings.  They are entitled to clean drinking water, health provisions, clean clothes, healthy foodstuff, employment and higher education.  Mr Hussain invited the waderas of Sindh to forget what has happened to date and if they are prepared to distribute their land amongst the poor peasants then we are prepared to embrace them.  Addressing the waderas and jageerdars Mr Hussain said the awareness amongst the peasants, poor and middle-class people is rapidly spreading and the medieval feudal system has to end, therefore, if they join our struggle today then tomorrow they would be counted amongst us.  However, if the waderas in collusion with the Establishment continue to obstruct our struggle then tomorrow they would be amongst the oppressors.  He asked the public to be witness that he had fulfilled his obligation by offering the righteous invitation to the waderas and jageerdars.  Now, it is up to them to either accept or reject our invitation.

Mr Hussain said that during the 55 years, the Army ruled the country for half the period, whereas, the Peoples Party and Muslim League formed the governments otherwise.  However, the governments of Army Generals, Peoples Party and the Muslim League did not even provide clean drinking water to the remote and underdeveloped areas of the country.  Today, several areas in Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP and Punjab including Thar does not even have clean drinking water.  The Army General made billions of rupees in kick backs and commissions, Benazir Bhutto constructed the Surrey Mahal (Castle) while in power and increased her wealth in the country and internationally, Nawaz Sharif built the Raiwind Mahal and acquired lavish apartments in the posh localities in London.   These politicians who speak of the rights of the poor, made wealth and properties only for themselves and deprived the people of even a roof over their head, drinking water and proper meal.  The poor and their children are destitute even today.

Mr Hussain said that at the time of independence the people were told that everyone would have their basic rights, however, after independence only the two percent (2%) privileged class is prosperous whereas the ninety eight percent (98%) poor, peasants, labour and the middle-class people are deprived of basic rights, drinking water and health facilities.  Mr Hussain said that if he was not liked by the rulers even then he requests them to provide basic rights to the peasants, poor and middle-class people of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP and Punjab then he would quit politics because his struggle is not to achieve personal gains but to attain the rights of the people.  Mr Hussain said that when MQM would form the government then according to scientific methods we would ensure the provision of water to the underdeveloped and remote areas, we would provide equal rights to the public irrespective of their cast, colour, ethnicity and even religion, spread a network of schools throughout the country and would not allow any wadera or jageerdar to occupy these schools.  Addressing the people of Sindh Mr Hussain said that it is the 21st Century; therefore, they should also educate their daughters alongside their sons.  He said that in our Government, the permanent citizens of Sindh including all the communities and religious minorities would be given equal rights and their worship places would be provided full protection.

Addressing the Sindhis present in the rallies Mr Hussain said, “My brothers, I love you, I love you all, spread my message, your Altaf Bhai is not a wadera or a jageerdar, he is like you, I am one of you, do not consider me a stranger, I am not struggling for myself but for you all.”

Mr Hussain said that with the blessings of Allah Almighty, the sons of Sindh were united and struggling side by side for the rights of their motherland.  He appealed to the Punjabi and Pakhtoons, who are permanently settled in Sindh, to come forward and join the struggle for the rights of Sindh Province.  Sindh is our motherland and to struggle for one’s motherland is like worshiping and speaking against the motherland despite living on it is treachery.  He said that the united struggle of the people of Sindh is moving towards success.  The rule of oppression is about to end and the peaceful and prosperous period is about to arrive.  Mr Hussain thanked the people of Ghotki, Jam Sahab Nawabshah and Gharo for their participation in the MQM election rallies and also lauded the efforts of MQM workers and office bearers for organising these rallies.