Red, White and Black

Mirza-Sahiban is another love legend from the land of Sohni-Mahiwal, Sassi Panu and Shree-Farhaad:

Mirza and Sahiban who were cousins and childhood playmates, fell in love with each other. But when Sahiban was about to be forcibly married to Tahar Khan by her parents, without any hesitation she sent a taunting message to Mirza, whom she loved…This is the time to protect your self-respect and love, keep your promises and sacrifice your life for truth, she asked Mirza.

Mirza who was a young man, made Sahiba sit on his horse and rode away. But on the way, as he lies under the shade of a tree to rest for few moments, the people who were following them with swords caught them.

…the brothers attack Mirza and killed him. Sahiban took a sword and slaughtered herself.

Countless folk songs of Punjab narrate the love tale of Sassi and Punnu. Women sing these songs with great emotion and feeling, as though they are paying homage to Sassi.

and yet:

The mausoleum of Miraza-Sahiban, in depilated condition, is located in Donanabad Union Council in Jaranwal. Local men do not let their women visit the mausoleum fearing they might follow the footsteps of Mirza.

Sahadat Ali Kharal, a resident, told Daily Times that their forefathers believed that the “dirt cemetery of Mirza-Sahiban” should be demolished because many women would become immoral. Qasoo Kharal, another resident, said the memory of Mirza and Sahiban must be erased.