27 January 2004	Tuesday	04 Zilhaj 1424

MITHI, Jan 26: Most of the speakers at a meeting here on Sunday termed the Khokhrapar route opening against the interests of Sindh, fearing a huge influx of aliens into Sindh.

They were speaking at the all parties conference, organized by the Sindh Taraqi Passand Party to know the views of various circles on the issue. STPP leader Nand Lal Malhi said his party wanted good relations between Pakistan and India but the opening of the route would cause an influx of immigrants into Sindh, consequently Sindhis would be turned into a minority.

Awami Tehrik leader Obhayo Junejo said Sindh had already been brought at the brink of devastation by depriving it of its resources. Mr Junejo said the opening of the route was most likely to bring further ruination to Sindh, particularly to Thar because of the minerals resources of the region.

Councillor Darya Khan Samejo said the opening of the route would prove much beneficial from economic point of view, however, security and immigration laws should strictly be implemented to forestall the settlement of immigrants.

Nasir Kumbhar said the opening of the Khokhrapar route should not be opposed for the sake of opposition, instead the opinion leaders of various political parties should sit together and decide what was good in the interest of Sindh.Dr Karam Rustamani, Anwar Soomro, Vishan Thari, Khatau Jani, Devji and others also spoke on the occasion.