THATTA, May 17: Growers took out a procession in Mirpur Bathoro near here on Monday to protest against the non-release of water in Sujawal sub-division's channels and tributaries for over two and a half months.

The protesters, including activists of political parties, after marching through main thoroughfares of the town staged a sit-in on the Sujawal-Hyderabad highway for four hours.

Wearing black arm bands and holding placards and banners, they raised slogans against Sindh Mineral Resources Minister Usman Malkani, chief engineer, irrigation, and other officials.

Mirpur Bathoro Union Council Nazim Mohammad Ali Khwaja, former MNA Arbab Wazir, Abadgars Association president Habib Memon, district Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party president Syed Mehboob Shah, district Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz president Aslam Khairpuri, Sindh Abadgar Board president Abdul Rehman Khatti and Sindh National Front president Dada Shoro led the protesters.

Speaking on the occasion, the leaders said that Sindh, particularly tail-end districts of Thatta and Badin, had been badly affected by the non-release of water. They held Minister Malkani responsible for water crisis and accused him of delaying silt clearance and excavation of the lower Pinyari Canal which had result in obstruction of water flow in the canal.