Showing posts with label Bonded Labor Cases in Sindh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bonded Labor Cases in Sindh. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Advocate Veerji Kolhi Investigates Murder of Three in Nagarparkar By Zemira Eli Natan and Advocate Veerji Kolhi



Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

For the first time in the history of Nagarparkar a murder of the the most heinous kind has taken place.  The murder took place in Wadari Village, Nagarparkar  where three victims  were murdered  in cold blood.  An elderly couple and their son were resting in  their sleeping cots when they were brutally murdered in the middle of the night as they and other villagers were sleeping.  No one in the village was able to tell Advocate Veerji Kolhi who the perpetrator of this murder was.  There was great fear to reveal any  details.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi returned to the village many times to assist investigators and question the villages to glean any information on the killers.  The  problem with this investigation  is that after a cast  was  taken of the perpetrators footprints  no one seemed to be able to identify the killers.  Twenty  six suspects were arrested in this case  and all twenty six of them went free.  Advocate  Veerji Kolhi did not stop here.  When a team of forensic special investigators brought a dog team to locate the killer, the dogs returned to the same hut twice. The police refused to bring  the suspects living there into custody. The perpetrator was among the 26 suspects released  from police custody.  The  very dangerous  issue in this case is that the court closed the investigation.  I advised Advocate Veerji Kolhi  to ask the court to reopen the investigation.   According to the Final Report document  issued by the Superintendent of Police Tharparkar for the cancellation of FIR dated 4/20/2015   so ordered by the Nagarparkar Judicial Magistrate, the police are still responsible to continue their efforts to the best of their ability to locate and arrest the perpetrator of this horrific crime despite the fact that the investigation was closed.    Advocate Veerji Kolhi fully intends to ensure the cooperation of the police in this matter.  Two  of the victims of this horrible crime  were senior citizens age  75  Male  and  Female  age 65.  The son was  just  a teenager about 14- 16  years  of age.  This was extremely  painful  for the indigenous people of this land because they have never lived in fear that something like this could ever happen.  Despite abductions,  they felt that murder could never be an issue.  Increasing violent crimes are happening in Sindh which was once a place of relative peace for all people.  Now it has become a place where innocent people are regularly targeted just because they have different religious beliefs.  For the safety of the victims and their families Advocate Veerji  Kolhi has not released the names of the victims.  The people are very concerned that since the perpetrator is still at large, there might be a chance that a repeat crime could occur. IUFE  demands  that the perpetrator be brought  to justice  immediately  with penalty of the full extent of the law.  Such a crime  is punishible by death and this is what these villagers rightfully are demanding!  Their protest is strong  and should be heard by all human rights organizations,  the presiding court and law enforcement agencies in Sindh to render proper justice to the indigenous people of the land .  Thank  you Advocate Veerji Kolhi for your briefing on this case  and standing with you  to continue to demand justice for the villagers in Wadari Village, Nagarparkar.

What can  we say this case is all about?  Clearly  it is an effort by those wishing to threaten any resistance to control of those politicians who want to keep their stronghold in this region.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi was requested to surrender his political  and social intervention which is the sole protection of the people living in these villages.  We cannot allow  10,000 years of indigenous  people's  legacy to be destroyed under this kind of pressure.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi cannot leave his people vulnerable to being forced from their indigenous homeland  by  Zandibars and Politicians
who deny these people their right to live peacefully and safe from such violent crimes.

We as an international coalition cannot allow them  to force their hand.  We  must all stand in unity to support Advocate Veerji Kolhi in his continuous and brave efforts to protect his people from harm.  We ask that International Human Rights organizations be contacted to ensure the protection of the indigenous people of Sindh and protection for the Advocates who defend them.

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality



Advocate Veerji Kolhi
National Human Rights Convenor Pakistan
International Director 
 International Unity For Freedom and Equality
Pakistan
"It is the first time in the history of this region that a murder was ever committed.


There have been many abductions but never has there ever been a murder committed here."

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----


All Photos Courtesy  of Advocate Veerji Kolhi and are Copyrighted Material

3 People  Murdered in Nagarparkar
Meeting  for Solution
Advocate Veerji Kolhi is Briefed by  Chief Investigator Mohammad Khoso  
Advocate Veerji Kolhi Discusses  Equal Rights
3 Murdered Victims in Nagarparkar


Protest  on 3  Murdered  in NagarParkar
Advocate  Veerji Kolhi meets with community leaders to find out more about perpetrators
Crime Scene  in Wadari Village

Bloodstained  sleeping cots  where victims  last  rested
Crime Scene  Wadari Village

Advocate Veerji Kolhi Assures Villagers that the  Killers will be Found

Meeting at Wadari Villiage with Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Abass Khoss
Start of Investigation

Grieving Family of Victims
Crime Scene Wadari Village Left Intact

Close up of Bloodstained Cot
Crime Scene Wadari Village

Cancellation of FIR
4/20/2015
26 Suspects Freed by  Court Order Judicial Magistrate Nagarparkar
Among them was the Perpetrator

Villagers Gather to Remember the Victims
Advocate Veerji Kolhi




Sunday, July 13, 2014

Seventy Two Victims of Bonded Labor Celebrate Freedom By Zemira Eli Natan and Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality


The Advocates of IUFE prove their experience and their success.  After a long battle  Advocate Veerji Kolhi with the combined efforts of Civil Society Members and the support of the International Community won a great victory against injustice.  The Seventy two victims of Bonded Labor  who were denied assistance from the Welfare Agencies of Pakistan  despite court order have now received their long awaited justice.  Work is now commencing to rehabilitate these people to become skilled workers with capability to support themselves and their families.  These victims suffered ten years of abuse, torture, rape and the snatching of their personal possessions and animals under the cruel chains of Bonded Labor.  This is a great victory for Advocate Veerji Kolhi as an experienced professional in this field.  The greatest victory of all is that which comes with Freedom and Justice.  IUFE sends congratulations to Advocate Veerji Kolhi for this success which truly came against all odds. The people can now celebrate their freedom and live their lives freely as they choose without fear from harm.  When people work together for the common good, there is an ultimate victory.  Positive change is not possible without the efforts of all human beings.  We never give up the hope of peaceful coexistence and justice for all humans.  We are working for equality for all men, women and children who are subjected to the cruelty of slavery.  We will never stop our efforts until we see a change in legislature allowing equality for all despite religious affiliation, race, color or creed, equal citizenship for all and freedom from any death threats  or threats of bodily harm.  Congratulations to our Civil Society members working toward these goals.  We know that positive change is possible with the efforts of all humanity.

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality


We Can Now Live Our Lives Freely As we Choose

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kohli
Congratulations to Our Civil Society Members Working for Peace and Freedom

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President 
Progressive Hindu Alliance

"Dear all,

It was a big success of the civil society that 72 released peasants have ended their protest outside Hyderabad Press Club. Special thanks to Sain Punbal Sario,Dr. Ashothama, Zahida Detho, DIG Sanaullah Abbasi, Jhona Khan nohani, Zemira Eli Natan, Awami awaz & Sindh Express Newspapers, Press Club Hyderabad and other civil society members for making efforts to resolve the issue.
We hope to continue supporting these peasants and help them to restart their new life as freed workers.
Once again many thanks to all."

-----Advocate Veerji Kolhi-----

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President Progressive Hindu Alliance

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality












Friday, July 11, 2014

Advocate V eerji Kolhi Falsely Charged With Fraud Landlords Continue Harassment By : Zemira Eli Natan and Advocate Veerji Kolhi


FIR FALSE CHARGE FILED AGAINST ADVOCATE VEERJI KOLHI Pg. 1

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



FIR FALSE CHARGE FILED AGAINST ADVOCATE VEERJI KOLHI PG. 2

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Comission of Pakistan
President
Progressive Hindu Alliance



"Landlord filed a fake case against me at Police Station Digri District Mirpurkhas through his farmer"

-----Advocate Veerji Kolhi-----


Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality


THE LANDLORD IS DESPERATE TO TAKE REVENGE FOR THE CONTINUED EFFORTS OF ADVOCATE VEERJI KOLHI FOR THE PROTECTION, SECURITY AND WELFARE OF THE 72 VICTIMS OF BONDED LABOR WHO WERE RECENTLY FREED!  IUFE DEMANDS THAT THE TERMS OF THE CP FILED AGAINST THESE FALSE ALLEGATIONS STATED ON THE SHOWN FIR BE MET COMPLETELY.  THE GOVERNMENT HAS STILL NOT COMPLIED TO AN ORDER OF THE HIGH COURT OF SINDH! 
False Allegations made against Petitioner Advocate Veerji Kohli By the Landlord in this case pending must be immediately withdrawn. It is obvious this charge is false in lieu of the fact that the petitioner is representing the 72 victims of Bonded Labor. It is impossible to believe that this incident ever took place. It is well known that death threats have been made against Advocate Veerji Kolhi and the 72 victims of Bonded Labor daily. These threats resulted in an attack on Advocate Veerji Kolhi, his home and his family. This case has been forwarded to the necessary Human Rights Organizations as an addition to our initial report on abuse of these victims including Advocate Veerji Kolhi .  CLEARLY THIS CAN BE SEEN AS AN ACT OF REVENGE ON THE PART OF THE LANDLORD AGAINST ADVOCATE VEERJI KOLHI! The International community is aware of these False Allegations and immediate Agreement to the terms of this CP is requested!WE WILL NO LONGER TOLERATE ABUSE IN THIS FORM TO OUR ADVOCATES WHO ARE OFFICERS OF THE COURT OR THEIR CLIENTS. PROTECTION MUST BE GUARANTEED DURING ONGOING COURT HEARINGS!



-


COPY CP  COUNTER CLAIM AGAINST FALSE FIR Pg. 1

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

COPY OF CP COUNTER CLAIM AGAINST FALSE FIR  Pg. 2

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

COPY OF CP COUNTER CLAIM AGAINST FALSE FIR Pg.3

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi




COPY OF CP  COUNTER CLAIM FILED AGAINST FALSE FIR Pg. 4

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



COPY OF CP COUNTER CLAIM  FILED AGAINST  FALSE FIR Pg. 5

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi





COPY OF CP COUNTER CLAIM FILED AGAINST FALSE FIR Pg. 6

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



COPY OF CP COUNTER CLAIMED FILED AGAINST FALSE FIR Pg. 7

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



COPY OF CP  COUNTER CLAIM FILED AGAINST FALSE FIR Pg. 8

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



COPY OF CP COUNTER CLAIM FILED AGAINST FIR Pg. 9

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


COPY OF CP COUNTER CLAIM FILED AGAINST FALSE FIR Pg. 10

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President 
Progressive Hindu Alliance

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality














Thursday, June 26, 2014

Debate onBonded Labor By Zemira Eli Natan

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Euality




-----IUFE UPDATE-----

Advocate Veerji Kolhi has informed IUFE that the 72 Bonded Labor Victims are still on Protest after 7 Days of receiving no relief for their suffering and no response from the Police on the return of their personal possessions and their animals! Seven Days is too long for any human being to survive without relief!  IUFE supports Advocate Veerji Kolhi in his effort to protect his people from injustice and provide them with equal rights under the law.  Work is presently being done to assist Advocate Veerji Kolhi in the ability to meet the basic needs of these victims.



72 Bonded Labor Persons Still on Protest at Press Club Hyderabad After Seventh Day of
Receiving No Relief, No Food, Water or Shelter

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



In the past month IUFE has reported on  cases concerning Bonded Labor. Some of the issues that have been reported include the Destruction of Hindu Villages and Shrines , Open fire on newly freed Bonded Labor victims, The Rape and impregnation of a 14  year old girl, Death threats against Advocate Veerji Kolhi and the 72 Victims of Bonded Labor that were recently freed by order of the High Court of Sindh.  All of these incidents can be read about on this blog.  IUFE's Executive Director, Zemira Eli Natan  has been featured in interviews with Vlad Tepes to describe some of these incidents and inform the International Community of issues that need to be addressed.  In a recent  discussion with a Pakistani University Student, Ghulam Hussain Mehesar,  who claims to be social worker conducting a case study on the Kolhi Bonded Laborers and other Dalits in the region it was advised  that the Pakistani Government is not intentionally starving the Hindu Bonded laborers to death, that Advocate Verji Kolhi is spending too much time focusing on his political influence rather than finding ways to provide his people with long term provisions of food, water and shelter and educating his people for the purpose of creating opportunities for them to be self sufficient.  No one has ever seen Mr. Mehesar's case study nor has Advocate Veerji Kolhi received any knowledge or information that this case study was being conducted by Mr. Mehesar on his people.  Mr. Mehesar would like to advise those he corresponds with that it is the responsibility of Advocate Veerji Kolhi to carry on these efforts with no support from the government.  IUFE disputes this claim on the following grounds.  First, when Bonded Laborers are released under the Bonded Labor Abolition Act of 1992, Criminal Procedure Code Section 491 the Landlords are well aware that this law protects them from being responsible for providing for the basic needs of Bonded Laborers once they are freed.   Why?  Because, according to Advocate Veerji Kolhi there is $20 Million Pakistani Rupees invested for Government Welfare agencies who are responsible to provide for the needs of newly freed Bonded Laborers. The Bonded Laborers who often endure years of hard labor under threat of death and/ or Torture and Rape which is often carried out, confiscation of personal possessions and animals are expected to without any rights, without the ability to clearly understand the true terms of their debt, and without food , water or shelter fend for themselves .  Second,  in the case of the 72 victims that Advocate Veerji Kolhi is still addressing in court, the 72 victims were threatened with open fire if they return to their native villages in Nagarparkar.  They are also under threat of abduction if they return to their own villages there.  It has taken more than 4 days for Selani Welfare Foundation to present the victims simply with water bottles and cool fruit drinks but no food.   They are temporarily housed at the Hyderabad Press Club and given breakfast and dinner.  This arrangement is only temporary, however.  What will be done for them in the long term.  Mr. Mehesar should be very aware that despite his claims that these Bonded Laborers are being provided for by the Government Welfare agencies  and that they are not being starved to death that only  the opposite has occurred.   Only minimal assistance has really been provided and only for a temporary period of time.  And finally, it is not Advocate Veerji Kolhi's responsibility to provide for every need!  It is the responsibility of the government who refuse to enforce laws upon the Landlords who abuse Bonded Laborers!  Does Mr. Mehesar realize that Advocate Veerji Kolhi personally out of his own expenses provided ONE YEAR of Food , Shelter and Rehabilitation efforts for eligible Bonded Laborers?  How much do the Pakistani Social Workers think Advocate Veerji Kolhi can focus on alone?  It must also be made clear that by his own statement, Advocate Veerji Kolhi is working in the political arena for SOCIAL CHANGE!  That means , putting an end to the practice of Bonded Labor and compensating the victims for years of Harassment , Death Threats, personal injury through torture, rape and confiscation of personal possessions and animals.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi is actively involved in working to change laws that favor the Landlords who are exploiting Bonded Laborers to their advantage in addition to every aspect of their rehabilitation and provisions.  This statement by IUFE has been written to clarify any misunderstandings that have arisen as a result of the reports on this case and others that are featured on this blog and to set the record straight.  IUFE also contends that Mr. Ghulam Hussain Mehesar is a University student and has not earned his graduate degree in Sociology or Social Work  which renders him NOT a professional in this field at this time.  IUFE would like to see a copy of the Case Study that has been conducted on the Kolhi's plight so that it can be confirmed that any information submitted on such a report is accurate.

IUFE CONTINUES TO DEMAND JUSTICE!  WE WILL NEVER BE SILENT AND WE WILL NEVER ALLOW FALSE REPORTS TO SURFACE IN MATTERS CONCERNING BONDED LABORERS!

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality