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The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) has condemned the reported inclusion of 29 Sindhi political activists in the 10th edition of the Red Book of Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Sindh Police.
According to a JSFM press release, its central spokesperson, Mansoor Ahmed Hab, described the reported listings as alarming, unjust and politically motivated. He alleged that placing political activists alongside alleged criminals amounted to a misuse of counter-terrorism mechanisms. The press release said the reported list includes JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro, West Asia Coordinator Masood Ahmed, alias Syed Masood Shah, and several other Sindhi political activists, including Shafi Muhammad Burgfat, Syed Ali Asghar Shah, Lala Aslam Pathan, Mohammad Haneef Bullo, Sajjad Ali Mangnejo and Mashooq Ali Qambrani. JSFM said the movement has pursued what it describes as a political struggle since 1973 for Sindh's freedom, sovereignty and right to self-determination. Hab rejected the portrayal of Sindhi political activists as terrorists or criminals and said the movement does not advocate terrorism. According to the statement, JSFM describes itself as a secular political movement inspired by the teachings of G.M. Syed and says it opposes religious extremism, sectarianism and terrorism. Hab also alleged that Pakistani state institutions and security agencies have historically tolerated or supported extremist elements. He called for international scrutiny of allegations concerning the role of state institutions in matters affecting regional and international peace. JSFM appealed to the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the British Parliament, journalists and democratic governments to examine the reported listings. Hab called for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the basis for the reported Red Book listings. He also urged the international community to distinguish peaceful political advocacy for Sindhu Desh, as described by JSFM, from terrorism and criminal activity, while calling for the protection of the fundamental rights and safety of Sindhi political activists. (ANI)
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