AWP founding President Abid Hassan Minto and old comrade of the late peasant leader could not attend the funeral rites because of his health reasons. In his condolence message, he said: “Its hard to put into words my grief on the passing of Chaudhry saheb, who was a great comrade and a genuine working-class revolutionary. For me, his death is like separation of an arm of my body. But his cherished memories, the unmatched struggle will always remain with us and inspire the younger generation”.

Recalling his six decades association with Chaudhry Fateh, Mr Minto said he not only belonged to the working-class family but also an educated and conscientious peasant leader who had a vast knowledge of the history, understanding of the working class issues and struggle for their rights. He dreamed of a social change in Pakistan and struggled for it throughout his life.

Mr Minto said Chaudhry sb played a key role in organising the peasant movement throughout the country and the historic Toba Tek Singh Kisan Conference in 1970 that not only set the stage for the remarkable victories of socialist candidates across Pakistan in the general elections but for two successive land reform legislations in 1972 and 1977.

“I salute his struggle and sacrifices and hope that his children and the party leadership and workers will carry on his mission,” Mr Minto said.