SIALKOT, Sept 25: Hundreds of villagers on Sunday demonstrated against alleged negligence of the government functionaries and indifference of politicians, who have yet to take any remedial measure against erosion. Various areas of Sialkot have been facing a constant threat of demolition owing to erosion caused by the Chenab’s changing courses.

Led by councillors Muhammad Shafi and Papa Ghulam Rasool, the protesters urged President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and the provincial government functionaries to take steps to save their houses from erosion. The menace had already affected over 12,000 acres of agricultural land and demolished the shelters in several villages, they added.

They said scores of homes of the poor villagers in border-area villages Khanu Bhau, Papeen, Saddarpura, Gangwal and others were at the mercy of the menace.

As there was no let-up in the situation, the protesters said the villagers had to spend sleepless nights. The banners and placards they had held were inscribed with slogans against the government.