HYDERABAD, Sept 19: Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz activists marched from Pathan Colony to the press club here on Sunday where they blocked the road for two hours in protest against Kalabagh dam and greater Thal canal projects and the army operation in Balochistan.

The protesters, including a large number of women and children, carried party banners and placards inscribed with different slogans. Talking to the protesters by telephone, JSMM chairman Shafi Mohammad Burfat, who is wanted by police, alleged that a particular province had taken over control of Sindh's land, water, natural resources, economy and even politics.

He alleged that the army operation in Balochistan had also been started at the behest of that province to usurp its natural resources. He further alleged that the establishment had hatched a conspiracy against Sindhi people.

Mr Burfat, however, warned that the people would not surrender their resources and they were prepared to launch a struggle for their rights. Speaking on the occasion, Sindh National Council leader Hussain Bux Thebo condemned the proposal to issue National Identity Cards to foreigners.

He feared that if the proposal was implemented, Sindhi people would be lose their identity in their motherland. Samiullah Kalhoro, Khalil Ahmad Khaskheli, Hafeez Sindhi, Sikandar Soomro, Saleem Ahmad Shahani, Rabia Bhalai and other JSMM leaders said Sindh was being destroyed politically, economically and socially.

They called upon the Sindhi nation to wage a struggle for their rights. The gathering adopted several resolutions, demanding shelving of the Kalabagh dam and the Thal canal, end to the army operation in Balochistan and withdrawal of false case against JSMM chairman Burfat.

SCHEDULED CASTES: The Scheduled Castes Federation of Pakistan has appealed to the president and the prime minister to reserve 40 per cent funds of the proposed Thar development package for areas of scheduled castes.