December 07, 2008	Sunday	Zilhaj 8, 1429

MANSEHRA, Dec 6: People blocked the Balakot-Naran road for traffic to protest against the proposed building of Suki Kanari hydropower project here on Saturday.

“The government is building the dam without consulting the people of the area, which is unacceptable to us because over 5,000 families would be rendered homeless as a result of construction of the dam,” a speaker said on the occasion.

While speaking to the protesters, another person said: “If government wants to build the dam, it should first redress the grievances of the families who would be affected by the project.”

The protesters, who carried banners and placards, gathered near Madni Plaza and blocked the Balakot-Naran road for over an hour. They chanted slogans in favour of their demands.

Local government representatives and elders of Indhar Nagri, Lambi Patti, Palotra, Dongi Sari and other areas said that until all the issues and reservations of the 5,000 families were addressed they would prefer to die but would never allow the government to build the dam.

“It is highly important for the government to create consensus and then proceed with the projects as it is a matter of life and death for thousands of families,” a speaker said. They set Dec 20 as the deadline for the government to meet their demands. They said that they would also demand royalty of the dam for Balakot and reduction in the electricity tariff for the local people.