SANGHAR, March 20: The Hur movement played an important role in the creation of Pakistan but the historians had ignored it, said speakers at a public meeting to mark the 65th death anniversary of Pir Sibghatullah Shah, the Pir Pagara-VI.

They said facts need to be explored for future generations to know who their heroes were. They demanded to name high school and roads in Sanghar after the name of Pir Sibghatullah Shah. The event was held at Pir Saheb Jo Thallo, Sanghar, on Thursday with a large number of participants.

Prof Dr Nabi Bux Baloch, Prof Qalandar Shah Lakiari, Prof Nisar Ahmed Jan Sarhandi, Abdul Haleem Halepoto and Arbab Nek Mohammad spoke on the occasion.

Recalling the life and struggle of Pir Sibghatullah Shah, speakers said he was crowned as Pir Pagara at the age of 12 after the death of his father Pir Mardan Shah alias Kot Dhani in 1922.

Later, he announced his intention to oust the colonialists and introduced the slogans of Azadi ya Mout (freedom or death), Watan ya Kafan (homeland or shroud).

On the charge of anti-government activities, he was sent to Ratnagiri Jail in India and released after seven years.

After coming back from jail, he made Gunang Bungalow near Jhol, district Sanghar, his headquarters and began collecting arms and ammunition and recruiting his disciples as guerrillas called Ghazi. He appealed to Muslims in the Subcontinent for help, the speakers said.

The Muslim League and Congress leaders including G.M. Syed, Sir Abdullah Haroon met him but he had his own version of the movement, the speakers said.

In 1939, the Hur Movement was at its peak. In 1942, martial law was imposed in Sanghar, the Hur Act was passed by Sindh Assembly and Hurs were declared a criminal tribe. The Royal Air Force also was used against them, they said, adding Gunang Bungalow and Makhi area were bombed and para-troops landed in Makhi.

The speakers said in 1941, the Pir was arrested again and tried by an all-white military court. He was convicted of waging war against the British crown and hanged at the age of 33. His body was clandestinely buried at an undisclosed place, they said.