MIRPURKHAS, July 4: A strike was observed in Samaro on Thursday on the call of the local traders’ association to protest against alleged excesses of the Taluka Nazim, Samaro, Ghulam Mustafa Khaskheli.

Markets, bazaars and shopping centres remained closed.

Hundreds of the residents, led by Shakeel Kaimkhani, held a protest demonstration at the main bus stand and raised slogans against the Taluka Nazim.

They were demanding an end to his alleged atrocities against contractors of Sabzi Mandi.

A contractor, Iqbal Kaimkhani, told this correspondent that they had been auctioning vegetables for 15 years on the basis of licenses, issued by the market committee.

He alleged that the Taluka Nazim was interfering in their business and added that they had moved Sindh High Court in the past against his interference. He said that the court had given a decision in their favour and they would again move the court against Mr Khaskheli.

The Nazim said that under the Sindh Local Government Ordinance-2001, the Taluka council had the right to auction contracts of market committee.

GAS: The Sui Southern Gas Company officials disconnected dozens of gas connections here on Thursday in a drive against gas theft.