November 17, 2003	Monday	Ramazan 21, 1424

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SANGHAR, Nov 16: Irrigation officials closed the Chotiari distributary on Sunday due to a minor breach at 2RD below the regulator causing water shortage in the area.

The chairman, Farmers’ Organization, Chotiari distributary, Gulsher Ahmed Rind, and vice chairman, Riaz Ahmed Bajwa, alleged that the irrigation officials had deliberately breached the canal to create trouble for them.

They said that due to threats from the officials, they had deputed men to watch the embankments and as the watchmen went home for Sehri, the officials breached the canal and closed the regulator in about 15 minutes.

They alleged that the officials had already said that they would not allow the running of irrigation system by the FOs with the assistance of the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority.

The FO chairman alleged that during the last season, the officials had taken about Rs13 million bribe from the area farmers to ensure proper water supply to their land. However, now the farmers were in a position to refuse to give bribe since FOs had been formed, he added. He argued that the irrigation officials were bent upon failing Sida.

On the other hand, about 40 staff members of the irrigation department, led by Union Mazdoor Labour leaders, held a protest demonstration in front of the local press club.

They were demanding abolishment of the FO and arrest of Mr Rind and Mr Bajwa.

FIR LODGED: Later an FIR was registered against Mr Bajwa and his unidentified accomplices with the Sanghar police.

The complainant, Darya Khan Khaskheli, a servant of the SDO, irrigation, Bakhora sub-division, alleged that Mr Bajwa barged into the bungalow of the SDO, tore up the gauge book, damaged telephone set and also misbehaved with him.