DADU, Nov 17: A large number of small growers of Lakha and Chhinni waterways originating from Johi branch staged a demonstration before Sindh Minister for Housing Muzaffar Shaujra during an open kutchehry which was held at the ground of exercise and taxation department’s office here on Monday.

Led by Haji Omer Jamali, Haji Yaqoob, Ghulam Rasool Rodhnani and Ismail Rodhnani, they were protesting against shortage of water.

Haji Omer Jamali complained to the minister that modules and watercourses were tempered with at head of Johi branch hence growers of tail-end of Lakha and Chhinni waterways were not getting their share of water. He said that wheat sowing season was almost ending but growers had not cultivated wheat crop in area.

The minister called the irrigation engineer and asked him to satisfy them. Irrigation Engineer Bhai Khan Lakho maintained that Haji Omer Jamali was himself stealing water at the head of Dadu canal. He said that watercourses of Haji Omer Jamali were tempered with, but he promised with then growers that within seven days water would be released to tail-end of Lakha and Chhinni waterways.

During open kutchehry over 200 lower staff of education department also demonstrated for non-payment of their salaries since 2007. Their leaders told the minister that the employees were performing their duties at schools and education offices. The minister promised to talk to minister for education.

Later speaking at the gathering Mr Muzaffar Shujra directed government officials to solve the problems of poor people at their door steps. He also visited the residence of late journalist Haji Azeem Leghari in Najam colony and offered condolence with Sajan Leghari.