KARACHI, Aug 26: Leader of the combined opposition in the Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro on Tuesday condemned manhandling of the PPP lady activists who were protesting against the Greater Thar Canal project at Jamshoro on the occasion of Gen Musharraf’s visit there.

Addressing a news conference in his chambers, along with Maulana Umar Sadiq of the MMA, Mr Khuhro also criticized Gen Musharraf for insisting on the GTC and Kalabagh dam projects which, he said, was tantamount to insulting collective wisdom of Sindh Assembly. The House, he added, had opposed these projects.

He regretted that while Gen Musharraf asked the ruling coalition to seek reversal of the two unanimous resolutions adopted by the Sindh Assembly, they kept quiet or bowed before his will.

“Sindh Assembly has thrice passed the resolution against Kalabagh dam and Thal canal and the NWFP has also opposed these projects which reflected collective wisdom of the elected representatives,” he said.

He regretted that the rulers’ recent move in this respect was an insult to the elected assembly of this province.

The opposition leader said that his side would expose the elements “who publicly say something else but in fact are bowing down to Gen Musharraf’s desire.”

Mr Khuhro vowed to continue joint struggle with other parties against the two projects despite the autocratic means adopted by the regime.

“We are going to the masses from Aug 28 to mobilize them against these projects,” he declared.

Leaders of the Anti-GTC Committee would be leaving Hyderabad for Sehwan on Aug 28 where they would pray for Sindh at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar before setting off to Larkana the next day. The caravan would then proceed to Jacobabad enroute Naudero and Garhi Khuda Bux on Aug 30 and to Obarao on Aug 31. It would reach Sukkur on Sept 1.

During their journey, the leaders would address gatherings in all the towns and villages falling in the route.

Mr Khuhro contended that there was no mention of Thal canal in the 1991 Water Accord which itself was controversial and incomplete.