HYDERABAD, Dec 23: The City Taluka Council on Tuesday demanded the opening of the Khokhrapar route and restoration of bus and railway services between Khokhrapar and Munabao.

The council said this would facilitate the people of Sindh to meet their relatives in India as travel expenses on this route were less as compared to the Wagah border route.

The taluka council took up the out-of-agenda resolution tabled by Qamaruddin Shaikh, which was unanimously adopted.

Mr Shaikh deplored the government’s indifferent attitude regarding the opening of the route, saying according to press reports, India had offered the reopening of the border but our government did not show any interest.

He said it appeared that some elements did not want this route reopened notwithstanding the fact that a large number of people of Sindh went to India through the Wagah border, which was expensive.

He termed it an injustice with the people of Sindh.

Abdul Hameed asked Mr Shaikh not to use the word “indifferent” while referring to the government’s attitude as the railways minister had said Rs550 million was needed to repair the rail track of the Khokhrapar route.

Mr Shaikh pointed out that the railways minister had also said the route would be opened if the Centre accorded permission to him.

He said if the railway track could not be restored, a bus service should be started on the route.

The taluka council called upon the president and the prime minister to take measures to reopen the border.