26 December 2004	Sunday	13 Ziqa'ad 1425

KHAIRPUR, Dec 25: People's Party Parliamentarians MNA Manzoor Hussain Wassan has said that motive behind bifurcation of four districts of Sindh is to create tension among people of the districts concerned.

He said that this was evident from the death of four people in Kambar, and held the Sindh government responsible for the incident.

Talking to reporters at the Wassan house here on Saturday, he said that the decision on bifurcation of the districts should be taken by the assemblies and district governments concerned and should not be imposed through a notification.

He contended that the current bifurcation was aimed at appeasing a few feudal lords and tribal chieftains associated with the Pakistan Muslim League. He demanded an immediate withdrawal of the decision in the best interest of the local people.

The MNA further said that unrest prevailed in Sindh due to unemployment, law and order situation and water shortage. He added that construction of the Kalabagh Dam would increase water shortage in Sindh and affect the agricultural economy beyond measures.

Steps of bifurcating districts and removing PPP-backed Awam Dost Panel nazims had been taken to divert attention of people from the issues, he argued.

Mr Wassan said that he was confident that the PPP would win the local bodies' elections 2005 throughout the country, especially in Sindh, whether they were held on party or non-party basis. He was also certain that the party would win the general elections "no matter whenever they are held during the next three years."

Answering a question, he said that Asif Ali Zardari's release was a success of the people and it had revived enthusiasm among the PPP workers and strengthened the party. He added that the party would further gain strength with the return of Benazir Bhutto.