Shame in Umerkot

Our heads hang in shame after watching the heartbreaking viral videos circulating on social media. The footage shows male and female police officials storming the fragile shanty shelters of the impoverished Maachhi community in Umerkot, openly violating the sanctity of chadar and char diwari – a value deeply rooted in our legal, moral, and religious traditions. The disturbing scenes show police personnel using brute force, dragging innocent, helpless, fast-observing women and young girls, tearing at their clothes, and huddling them into police vans. The images send shivers down the spine. For a moment, one might assume that a massive operation was underway to capture hardened criminals involved in murder or terrorism. But no these were simple, vulnerable women, young girls, and children. The male members of their families were either already under detention or out earning their livelihood. Reports suggest that this operation was conducted in compliance with a lower court’s order to vacate a 10, 000-square-foot plot long inhabited by the Maachhi community. There are no two opinions about the sanctity of court orders – they must be respected by all law-abiding citizens. However, the manner in which the police, entrusted as guardians of life, honour, and property, executed this order raises grave concerns. Even if eviction was required, was such blind force necessary – especially in the holy month of Ramazan? Were peaceful negotiations, persuasion, and lawful restraint exhausted before resorting to violence? The answer, painfully visible in the viral videos, appears to be no. The lower court’s decision was neither final nor beyond challenge. It could have been appealed before the District and Sessions Court, then the High Court, and ultimately the apex court. This legal process is well understood. Why then the unusual haste and aggressive efficiency when legal options still existed? Why such swiftness only when the occupants were poor and vulnerable? Local residents assert that the Maachhi community has been residing peacefully on the premises for decades – some even claim for nearly a century. Questions regarding ownership require thorough investigation. Yet instead of facilitating legal clarity, the police chose confrontation. A troubling question echoes across Sindh: Had the occupants been influential Syeds or politically connected elites, would the police have acted with similar efficiency? The likely answer is a resounding no. In such a scenario, the law would have shown flexibility, restraint, and procedural patience. Unfortunately, Sindh police has earned notoriety for tilting towards elites and those wielding political leverage. For the powerful, the machinery of law moves swiftly. For the poor, it crawls – often obstructed by discouragement, delay, and bureaucratic evasion. A poor villager seeking to lodge an FIR is made to revisit police stations repeatedly, testing his patience and dignity. Connections and currency too often determine access to justice. In Umerkot, it appears that authority was misused and limits were transgressed. The police had options. Dialogue could have preceded force. Mediation could have replaced humiliation. Instead, arrogance and unchecked power prevailed. Late reports confirm the suspension of certain police officials involved in the incident. However, public opinion across Sindh strongly believes that accountability must not stop at lower-ranking officials. An SHO or Inspector does not act in isolation. Such an operation would inevitably involve approval or direction from higher command – particularly the district head, the SSP. Justice demands that responsibility be traced upward, not confined to expendable subordinates while decision-makers remain untouched. This is not a minor or avoidable episode. It is a collective shame. Poverty and vulnerability are not crimes. The law of the land is equal and sacrosanct for all, without discrimination. Yet time and again, minions face consequences while the powerful evade justice through influence and position. Residents of Umerkot allege that influential ruling elites stood behind this episode. Whether these allegations hold merit must be determined through a neutral and transparent judicial inquiry. Only an independent investigation can uncover the facts, identify all perpetrators – both visible and behind the curtain – and ensure that such misuse of police authority does not recur. Despite the trauma, there is a moral victory in this tragedy. The people of Umerkot have risen in solidarity with the poor Maachhi community. Donations have reportedly been pledged to purchase the disputed plot and gift it to the poor occupants. This awakening of collective conscience reflects the enduring moral strength of society. The people’s consciousness – remains alive and aligned with justice. The state, as guarantor of dignity, honour, and shelter, must rise to this moment. It must come heavily upon all perpetrators, irrespective of power or position. Justice delayed or diluted will only deepen public distrust. If we are to remain a society governed by law and not by might, then accountability must be comprehensive, impartial, and visible. The powerful must not escape. The vulnerable must not be trampled. Only then can we say that chadar and char diwari are not hollow slogans—but living protections under the Constitution and the moral fabric of our land. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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