The book as its title indicates is about the struggle of the Pat Feeder peasant. The book differs in many ways from other books. It is not written by any historian, social scientist, professor or researcher. Rather it is the narration of some committed people who were themselves involved in the movement.
Ramazan admits that these people, including himself, described the events putting themselves as central figure. It is somewhat natural, no intention for self projection is involved. In her vote of thanks Shahina Ramazan has pointed out the difficulties faced in bringing out the truth after 31 years of actual happenings. The decision was taken to publish whatever information is available, not as the final findings, but as a draft to consider, examine and after due research and confirmation a new version would be published.
The book has been dedicated to Sufi Shah Inayat Sheed, who tried to change the system, raised the slogan "only those would reap who sow", (Jo boe so khae), who gathered a force of followers and put his system in practice at Jhok (Sindh). The exploiting class, the monarchs and feudal lords could not tolerate it. So on January 7, 1717 he was treacherously martyred. But his slogan is still alive.
Coming to the book, it is divided into more than 25 chapters. Location of Pat Feeder, the lands being fed by it. The first struggle of Pat Feeder peasants. The political back ground of the Pat Feeder Kisan movement etc. It makes an interesting read, the changing scenario and along with it the changing political affiliation. The unholy alliance of bureaucracy and land owners, manipulations and fraudulent changes in revenue records are all put forward in straights and simple manner. Feudal lords' dirty, callous and inhuman methods to stop the peasants in getting organised and the treatment method out to them if they refuse to submit and follow in line drawn for them.
The purpose of the book appear not to promote certain individuals, groups or factions rather to present the facts, interests, efforts to serve those interest and the problems emerging through the process. The forces, meek, or strong standing on both the sides of the divide have been identified. The underlying question is the establishment of an organisation equipped with the knowledge and skill to take up the issue for solution.
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Book : Pat Feeder Kisan Tahreek
Writer & compiler : Muhammad Ramazan
Publisher : Bhandari Hari Sangat
Contribution (Price) : Rs 150
Pages : 194
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