LARKANA, July 3: A large number of villagers from different villages blocked the highway at Sujawal town on Wednesday to protest against the unavailability of irrigation water and snapping of power supply to around 100 villages in Mirokhan taluka.

Led by councillor Dur Mohammad Magsi and Nazeer Ahmad Magsi, the protestors put barricades on the highway, suspending traffic on Ratodero-Shahdadkot Road for two hours.

The protestors burnt tyres and left abandoned tractor-trolleys on the road.

They were chanting slogans against irrigation officials who, according to them, were demanding money to release water in Sooharo and Bhutta branches, originating from Shahdadkot Branch.

The district Nazim, Khursheed Junejo, and the superintendent engineer of the branch, Saifullah Magsi, arrived at the scene and after negotiations, got cleared the road.

Later, the irrigation officials, in presence of the district Nazim, released water in both irrigation channels where, according to peasants, rice seedlings were drying due to the unavailability of water.

Mirokhan Taluka Nazim Dr Ayaz Tunio told this correspond that around 50,000 acres would be rendered uncultivated if water was not released in time.

It was learnt on good authority that releasing more water than share towards Balochistan from the Garang regulator by Sindh irrigation officials was the reason of the shortage of water here. Balochistan had to get 8.4 feet water according to its share but presently, it was getting 9 feet water, sources said.

Mr Tunio said over 100 villages, including Tar Haithyoon, Doltjeewandh, Sujawal, Arzi Bhutto, Haider Chandio, Pandhi Jarwar, Mehmoodabad, Gul Kalhoro, Karam Ali Gopang, Kot Lal Bakhsh Mahisar, Phulri, Baharo Bhand, Khabar Mahisar, Ali Mohammad Soomro,Chango, Bakhshal Saryo, in Mirokhan taluka were without electricity for the last 11 days.

Despite repeated requests, Hesco has not restored the power supply to these villages.

The district Nazim assured them that the power supply would be restored soon.