July 31, 2008	Thursday	Rajab 27, 1429

MITHI, July 30: The adviser to the Sindh chief minister for mines and mineral development Dr Khatomal Jeevan has said coal in Thar is the property of Sindh and Thar and there is no truth in apprehension of some circles that its control and management is being handed over to the federal government.

Speaking at an open katchehry in Diplo on Tuesday, Mr Jeevan said a conference on Thar coal would be held in Washington and interested investors were likely to make huge investment in exploration of Thar coal in the near future.

He said a Thar development package would be announced soon.

He said a separate comprehensive policy was being devised for granite of Karoonjhar Hills and a granite city would be established in Nagarparkar, and industrial units for cutting granite and preparing tiles would be set up to provide jobs to local people.

Responding to a question, he said, a high level inquiry was underway and those found involved in corruption during previous regime would be held accountable for every penny.

Speaking on the occasion, MPA Sharjil Inam Memon said, the People’s Party does not believe in taking revenge from anyone. He said Thar would be made a fort of the PPP.

On the occasion, protesting in a unique way by placing rimmed trays/flat dishes on their heads with a fire burning on it, Thakurs Sono and Devraj alleged that some henchmen of the Arbabs had forcibly occupied their agricultural lands.

Prominent among those who were present at this open katchehry were DCO Tamizuddin Khero and DPO Iqbal Dara.