January 8, 2002	Tuesday	Shawwal 23, 1422

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MIRPURKHAS, Jan 7: The agricultural crisis caused by acute shortage of water in Mirpurkhas district and adjoining areas has deprived many peasants of their only means of livelihood compelling them to seek other sources of income.

This was revealed by a survey that showed that during the year 2001 about 200 haris were arrested in narcotic cases.

Most of the peasants after having failed in getting work on agriculture lands have taken to producing country made liquor for sale.

The survey conducted by this scribe disclosed that due to acute shortage of water for last two years, the fertile lands were turned barren and in the absence of any major crop, the landlords were not able to keep peasants.

These circumstances have rendered countless peasants jobless several of whom have begun producing moonshine and selling drugs for regular earnings.

Taking notice of the growing sale of liquor and drugs in villages and towns, police launched a crackdown and carried out raids at liquor factories and narcotic dens and rounded up as many as 200 peasants on the charges of manufacturing or selling liquor.

PROTEST: Following the water crises at the tail of Jamrao Canal, protest demonstrations are being held daily in Nauokot, Jhuddo, Digri, and other towns.