HYDERABAD, Dec 7: The Sindh Consultative Council and the Sindh Active Research Council has urged the President, the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Sindh to take urgent notice of the state of discontent and apprehension that is gaining ground among the people of Sindh.

Both met under the chairmanship of Dr Hameeda Khoro, vice president, Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and the chairperson, Sindh National Alliance, the other day.

The major reasons for the discontent and apprehension identified by the meeting is the proposal for the transfer of several Dehs of upper Sindh talukas of Daharki and Obaro to Punjab.

The meeting pointed out that the last time such an action was taken was by the British colonial government which transferred Sabazalkote to Bahawalpur (now part of Punjab) to reward the rulers of Bahawalpur for his loyalty to the Britishers and to punish Sindh for fighting against them.

The meeting observed that the population of these Dehs was overwhelmingly Sindhi and any action would cause deep resentment and alienation among the people of Sindh.

The meeting called for a firm denial from the federal and provincial governments on this issue.

The meeting noted that the announcement about the construction of the Thal canal in Punjab was a blatant betrayal of faith with Sindh as the Chashma-Jhelum link canal which would feed this canal was built on the understanding that it would only flow during the flood season.

The meeting observed that Chashma-Jhelum was now flowing most of the year, drawing off water from the Indus which rightfully belonged to the lower riparian.

It pointed out that the canal was being opened during a dry season thus exposing the breach of trust by Wapda as well as the Punjab government.

Underlining another matter of discontent, the meeting pointed out that job losses through downsizing have been proportionately the heaviest in Sindh and in terms of unemployment both in government and autonomous bodies Sindh was the worst sufferer causing deep disillusionment.

It further observed that the cuts in development projects affected Sindh the most as it was a poorly developed region and needed urgent infra-structural work as the cutbacks also worsen the poverty and deprivation of the people.

The meeting also pointed out that the law and order situation in Sindh had deteriorated almost to the level of the early 90s when the army had to be called in to check the lawlessness.

It said that life and honour was no long safe in the province and even the children were being kidnapped.

“The above problems need the government’s attention as a matter of urgent priority as the neglect of these problems could result in a situation of unprecedented seriousness,” the meeting cautioned.