A protest against the contentious six-canal scheme turned violent on Tuesday as students of Sindh University clashed with Jamshoro police on the Indus Highway near the university’s main campus. The police resorted to baton charges, lathi charges, and shelling to disperse demonstrators, including female students, who were chanting slogans against what they called a deep-rooted conspiracy against Sindh and its marginalized communities.
The confrontation escalated when students attempted to block the Indus Highway. Protesters stated that the demonstration was meant to be followed by a convention honoring students who had participated in the 1967 movement against the One Unit system. However, several invited guests were either detained or refrained from attending. Advocate Mama Yousif Laghari, a key figure in the 1967 movement, abstained, while nationalist activist Dr. Zulfiqar Zaur was reportedly detained at Thatta Police Station.
At least 15 students were injured and taken into custody. Videos circulating on social media showed police officers, including SHO Aftab Memon, beating and abusing students, prompting outrage across Sindh. Protesters retaliated by pelting stones at police vehicles.
The crackdown was widely condemned, with social media users and bar associations—including those from Hyderabad, Karachi, and Sujawal—issuing strong statements against police brutality. Later, a delegation from the District Bar Association Jamshoro intervened, leading to the release of the detained students.
In Thatta, nationalist party workers staged a protest outside the police station, demanding Dr. Zaur’s release. According to sources, he was freed late at night after sustained pressure from demonstrators.
On Wednesday, Jamshoro police registered an FIR against 43 named and 63 unidentified individuals, charging them with rioting, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of duty.