Most narrators express strong disillusionment with politicians and other representatives. They have little hope of justice from the police or the judiciary, or from those in power.
In Sanghar, Chhutta gives examples of corruption and harassment and Nazeer has experience of how the police favour the powerful in any dispute, and of rigged voting.
In Manchar too, all speak strongly about government indifference and political corruption. Karim Bux and Hodat say no one listens to them or “does anything practical – it’s all words”.
Basran says the police are intimidated by a local powerful group who cause major problems, and Fatima sees nothing but broken promises from those in power.
Nazeer and Chhutta say that the local press in Sanghar is subject to pressure from those in power, and often fails to cover the stories or perspectives of the poor.
Nevertheless, Mircho has succeeded in getting the local council to act by threatening to withhold votes. And Chhutta tells of having had some success in using the law to fight attempts to displace them.