PIRYALO (Report by Imran Ali Odho): Residents of village Kholra in the riverine area of Piryalo staged a protest against what they alleged were police excesses, pressure from criminals and demands for monthly extortion payments.
The protest was led by Riaz Ahmed Abbasi, Amanullah Abbasi, Haji Abdul Razzaq and other villagers. Speaking to journalists, the protesters described the difficulties they said they had been facing for several months and appealed to senior police authorities to take immediate notice of their complaints and provide them with protection.
The villagers alleged that an alleged criminal from the area, identified as Allo Kalhoro, had been continuously demanding monthly payments from them. They claimed that after they allegedly refused to pay, their banana and mango trees were cut down and damaged, causing them financial losses as well as severe mental distress.
According to the protesters, they had repeatedly informed police at the Faiz Muhammad Bundo police station about the alleged threats and incidents and requested legal action and registration of cases against those responsible. However, they alleged that the police had failed to take the required action on their complaints.
The protesters further alleged that instead of addressing their grievances, they themselves were subjected to pressure and alleged threats. They claimed that the SHO of Faiz Muhammad Bundo police station had allegedly warned them that no case would be registered on their complaints and that they could be locked up if they spoke against the police.
Questioning the alleged conduct of the police, the villagers said the fundamental responsibility of law-enforcement agencies was to protect the lives, property and dignity of citizens. They questioned where ordinary people should seek justice if those approaching a police station with complaints were themselves allegedly subjected to pressure and threats.
The protesters said that alleged harassment by police and criminals had created an atmosphere of fear in the area, forcing residents to live in insecurity in their own locality.
They warned that continued incidents involving alleged extortion demands, threats and damage to orchards, crops and property could further increase the difficulties faced by local residents.
The villagers appealed to the Inspector General of Police Sindh, DIG Sukkur and SSP Khairpur to take impartial and transparent notice of the allegations made by the residents of Kholra village and order a proper investigation.
They demanded that legal action be taken against those allegedly demanding extortion and causing damage to their property if the allegations were established. They also called for compensation or appropriate redress for the damage allegedly caused to their trees and property.
The protesters further demanded protection for villagers who had lodged complaints and urged authorities to investigate the allegations against the police in a transparent manner so that the facts could emerge and no innocent person would face injustice.
The residents said an impartial inquiry was necessary to determine the facts and establish responsibility for the alleged incidents. They maintained that both the allegations against the suspected criminals and the complaints concerning police conduct should be investigated according to law.
The protesters warned that if their legitimate complaints were not addressed promptly and adequate protection was not provided, they would expand their protest to the district and divisional levels.
They called on senior police authorities to intervene immediately, ensure the safety of local residents and take action in accordance with the law based on the findings of an impartial investigation.
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