NAWABSHAH, Feb 28: Hundreds of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz activists blocked the National Highway in Sakrand here on Saturday for three hours to protest against construction of Kalabagh dam and greater Thal canal projects.

The protesters arrived in Sakrand from different parts of Sindh on the call of party chairman Bashir Khan Qureshi.

A heavy police contingent was deployed to avert any untoward incident.

A procession of Pakistan People's Party-SB, led by its district president Ali Gul Keerio, also joined the JSQM protesters.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Qureshi said their struggle would continue till the disputed water projects were shelved. He said the people of Sindh would not allow the construction of the projects.

He accused Punjab of controlling resources of Sindh.

He appealed to Pakistan People's Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto, Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party chairman Dr Qadir Magsi, Pakistan Muslim League-F chief Mumtaz Bhutto, Awami Tehrik chairman Rasool Bux Palijo and Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain to join hands with his party in its struggle against the Kalabagh dam and the Thal canal.

The protesters also attacked a jeep and a pickup of law-enforcement agencies with clubs and stones when they tried to pass through the procession.

Our Sukkur Correspondent adds: Meanwhile, a sit-in was also staged by Jeay Sindh Students Federation activists on the Kandhkot-Kashmor Indus Highway for two hours to protest against the water projects.

The protesters were led by JSSF president Dadho Jakhrani.