BADIN: A complete shutdown was observed in Pangrio town on a protest call given by leaders of Save Badin Action Committee against nagging water shortage in most areas of the district for the past many months allegedly caused by theft of water.

All shopkeepers in the town pulled down shutters and participated in a demonstration staged by the committee leaders and farmers outside local press club on Tando Bago-Jhuddo road.

Azizullah Dero, Khalil Ahmed Bhurgri, Dilbar Sindhi and other leaders told media persons that persisting water crisis had rendered fertile land barren and forced farmers and villagers in tail-end areas of canals to migrate to other areas in search of livelihood.

They vowed to continue protest till all diversions and illegal direct outlets were removed and water was distributed in a just and fair manner.

Farmers held a similar protest in Tarai town.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2019