HYDERABAD, March 21: City Taluka Council members here on Saturday handed over their resignations to the taluka Nazim in protest against the prime minister's denial that he had announced a development package for the district.

Qamaruddin Shaikh handed over the resignations on behalf of the members to Taluka Nazim Moinuddin Shaikh at a taluka council session specially requisitioned to discuss the issue. It is now up to the Nazim to decide when to forward the resignations to authorities concerned.

Speaking on the occasion, the taluka Nazim said after announcement of the package by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, hopes regarding development of the city had been rekindled among the people.

But dreams of the people had been shattered after Mr Jamali, during his recent visit to the city, said he had not announced any package for Hyderabad despite some committees had been formed at the provincial level for monitoring and carrying out development works under the package, he regretted.

He said it was mindboggling why such a statement had been issued by the prime minister. The taluka Nazim said after the announcement of the Hyderabad package, different groups started claiming credit for it and even details of the package were announced at a public meeting of a political party.

He praised District Nazim Dr Rafiquzzaman for his efforts to obtain the project. Mr Shaikh called upon political groups to work for betterment of the city and added that Rs500 million, announced by then Governor Mohammedmian Soomro, should immediately be released to the district government.

Jagdesh Kumar, Illahi Bux Kaimkhani, Qamaruddin Shaikh, Waheed Ajmeri, Iqbal Kaimkhani and other members said the package was the right of the people of Hyderabad and it should be given to them.

Describing the denial of the package a conspiracy to sabotage the devolution system, they said the old glory of Hyderabad could be restored if the funds were utilized.

The members held the government officers responsible for the situation as, according to them, they had not accepted the present system. They expressed confidence in the leadership of Mr Shaikh.

KILLED: A man, Israr Ahmed, 40, was stabbed to death over a dispute involving children at Bhai Khan Chowk here on Saturday, police said. City SHO Ahmed Qureshi claimed that during a clash between close relatives, Israr hit Afaq and Akhlaq with an iron rod and injured them.