Zawwar Abdul Sattar Dars book on Amman Jando on Tando Bahawal Tragedy Launches at Amman Jando’s home

HYDERABAD: Speakers at the book launch ceremony organized by the Karachi Editors Club shed light on the tragic incident of Tando Bahawal, where ten innocent farmers and laborers were brutally killed in a staged encounter, emphasizing that media exposure and public protest played a decisive role in uncovering the truth.
The ceremony marked the unveiling of a historical book titled “Aman Jando”, authored by Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars, documenting the events of the Tando Bahawal tragedy. The speakers paid tribute to Aman Jando, describing her as one of the most courageous and revolutionary women of the century.
Addressing the gathering, prominent journalist and News Editor of Daily Kawish, Lala Muhammad Yaqoob Soomro, along with Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars, Mir Ghulamullah Talpur, Abdul Hakim Khoso, Pir Adil Shah Rashdi, Syed Dost Muhammad Shah Bukhari and others, highlighted that the land of Sindh has historically symbolized peace, love, brotherhood and tolerance. However, they noted that due to the malicious intentions of feudal lords and vested interests, the region has often witnessed the unjust bloodshed of poor and helpless people.
Recalling the incident, the speakers stated that on the evening of June 5, 1992, ten innocent villagers from Tando Bahawal were taken into custody from their homes and transported to Jamshoro, where they were mercilessly shot. Nine individuals died on the spot while one was critically injured. A government press release initially claimed that the deaths occurred during an encounter with dangerous dacoits and terrorists, alleging recovery of a large cache of Indian weapons.
However, 42 hours later, when the bodies were handed over to the families, Aman Jando, a frail yet determined woman, strongly protested before national and international media. Presenting evidence and testimonies, she proved that the victims were neither criminals nor terrorists but poor farmers and laborers who had been unlawfully detained and killed.

Following widespread media coverage and public outrage, authorities initiated an inquiry which declared the encounter completely fake. The earlier official statement was withdrawn and the stance of the protesters was accepted. As a result, a Major and 13 personnel involved in the incident were dismissed from service and tried under Field General Court Martial. The Major was sentenced to death while the other personnel received life imprisonment.
The speakers emphasized that this unprecedented accountability was made possible due to the relentless struggle of Aman Jando, calling her a symbol of courage and resistance.
They further noted that although the military court had announced the verdict promptly, subsequent legal and political complexities delayed its implementation. A significant legal amendment was introduced allowing court martial decisions to be challenged in civil courts, leading to prolonged delays until September 1996.
In protest against the delay in justice, Aman Jando, along with her two daughters, attempted self-immolation on September 11, 1996. While Aman Jando survived with injuries, both her daughters succumbed to burns. This extreme act of protest accelerated the process, and eventually, the main convict was executed on October 28, 1996.
The speakers appreciated the efforts of Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars for documenting this historic tragedy, stating that the book has preserved an important chapter of Sindh’s history for future generations.
Earlier, the book was formally launched by Aman Jando herself. The event was presided over by Lala Muhammad Yaqoob Soomro, with Abdul Hakim Khoso as the chief guest and Mir Ghulamullah Talpur as the guest of honor. The event arrangements were managed by Syed Dost Muhammad Shah Bukhari.