Mohammad Ali Talpur: A Beacon of Courage – Sahir Baloch
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Mohammad Ali Talpur: A Beacon of Courage
Written by: Sahir Baloch
Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur, born on December 31, 1945, into the illustrious Talpur family of Hyderabad, Sindh, carries a legacy deeply rooted in resistance and resilience. His upbringing amidst tales of valor and defiance against oppressive regimes set the stage for a life dedicated to the struggle for justice and rights, particularly for the Baloch people.**
The Talpur lineage traces back to their ancestral home in Bhurgra, Dera Ghazi Khan, now unjustly annexed into Punjab but historically part of Balochistan. This connection to their Baloch heritage remained pivotal in Mir Mohammad Ali’s identity, influenced greatly by his father, Mir Ali Ahmed Talpur, who instilled in him the mantra, “I am first a Baloch and only then a Muslim.”
Education in Karachi provided him with more opportunities than his native Hyderabad. Mir Ali Ahmed Talpur, despite losing his father at 16, emerged as a prominent figure in political and social spheres, fearlessly opposing British rule and later challenging the Pakistani establishment. This environment of defiance against injustice deeply impacted Mir Mohammad Ali, reinforcing his understanding of the tyrannical nature of the Pakistani state.
The pivotal event of July 15, 1960, marked a turning point in his awareness. Witnessing the aftermath of the execution of Nawab Nauroz Khan Zarakzai’s sons and allies in Hyderabad jails, orchestrated by a Martial Law regime, ignited his resolve. Afraid of the Martial Law regime, people were hesitant to claim the bodies of the three martyrs hanged in Hyderabad Jail. Mir Rasool Bakhsh Sahib took charge of the bodies, performed the required rituals, and made arrangements to transport them to their hometown. It needs to be mentioned that Mir Sahib’s mother had gone to Hajj some years before and had brought shrouds for herself and others, which she gave for the martyred Baloch.
His immersion in the Baloch cause intensified during encounters with legends like Nawab Nauroz Khan, Ataullah Mengal, and Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo, imprisoned during Eid celebrations in 1961. These meetings etched in him the bravery and unwavering commitment of Baloch leaders against state oppression.
In 1971), He departed for the Marri area of Balochistan, joining Mohammad Bhabha and other comrades to serve the Baloch people. Despite facing severe challenges, including a life-altering accident that left him disabled, he persevered in his medical and educational efforts among the Baloch refugees in Afghanistan.
The years in Afghanistan witnessed him treating the sick, educating children, and fostering resilience among Baloch refugees amidst political upheavals and harsh winters. His return to Pakistan after two decades of exile in 1991 did not mark the end of his activism. Mir Mohammad Ali continued advocating through writing, contributing to publications like ‘Dawn,’ ‘Daily Times,’ and ‘Newsline,’ and participating in protests such as the Long March alongside Mama Qadeer, demanding justice for disappeared Baloch activists.
Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur’s life is a testament to unwavering dedication and unyielding defiance against injustice. Rooted in his Baloch identity and fueled by a commitment to human rights, he remains a steadfast voice for the marginalized and oppressed, inspiring generations to stand firm against tyranny and fight for a just society.
In his own words and actions, Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur exemplifies the adage that true greatness lies not in personal gain but in the relentless pursuit of justice and dignity for all.
