March 08, 2008	Saturday	Safar 29, 1429

DADU, March 7: A large number of people, including shopkeepers and social workers, took out a procession here on Friday against unannounced loadshedding in the city.

The rally was organised by the Citizen Action Committee under the lead of its office-bearers, Gul Mohammad Joyo, Inayat Hussain Jamali and Qaim Ali Siyal.

The protesters were carrying banners and placards. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Joyo said Hyderabad Electricity Supply Company officials were resorting to load-shedding for five to six hours almost daily which was affecting business.

He alleged that Hesco officials were forcing people to pay a certain amount for ‘reduced’ bills.

Qaim Ali Siyal alleged that influential people were involved in power theft in Khairpur Nathan Shah, Sehwan and city in connivance with the officials of Hesco and in order to cover up their losses, officials were resorting to load-shedding.

The protesters warned of sustained protests if load-shedding was not stopped.

They appealed to the newly elected parliamentarians to take notice of the problem and solve the issue on priority basis.

Later, they observed a token hunger strike outside the press club.