16 February 2004	Monday	24 Zilhaj 1424

HYDERABAD, Feb 15: Activists of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, Jamshoro, on Sunday observed a hunger strike outside the press club against the construction of greater Thal canal and Kalabagh dam.

Talking to newsmen Hamid Qambrani, Liaquat Sanjrani, Majid Sindhi, Zafar Hakro and others said they would continue struggle against what they called anti-Sindh water projects. JSQM activists of the Qasimabad taluka also staged a protest march from Naseem Nagar to the press club against the greater Thal canal and Kalabagh dam.

Speaking on the occasion, Majeed Qureshi, Liaquat Chandio, Barkat Chandio, Abdullah Soomro and others said the people of Sindh were on roads against the anti-Sindh water projects, but the rulers were safeguarding the interests of one province that had adopted an arrogant attitude of going ahead with the construction of controversial water projects.

Our Larkana Correspondent adds: Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz chairman Bashir Khan Qureshi has called upon political parties to join hands with the JSQM in its protest against what he called anti-Sindh projects.

Speaking at an anti-greater Thal canal rally outside the Jinnahbagh here on Saturday, he criticized President Gen Parvez Musharraf for his 'hollow promises' regarding judicious water share to Sindh.

He claimed that Sindh alone had the right over the Indus waters. Terming his party's struggle for the rights of Sindh a war for survival, Mr Qureshi said JSQM activists had started a hunger strike unto death outside the Karachi Press Club. He appealed to the people of Sindh to support the struggle.

He said the JSQM would also support other parties in their struggle for the rights of the province. Azizur Rehman Shaikh, Sarkash Sindhi, Momin Samo and others also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, a procession was taken out from the railway park that marched through main roads of the city. Activists of the JSQM and the People's Party Parliamentarians exchanged hot words when the procession was passing near the PPP protest camp. However, leaders of the parties and the police intervened and averted clash.