WE, the residents of Sehwan taluka, protest against the separation of Sehwan taluka from Dadu district and its merger into a newly established Jamshoro district. In such an important decision which affected the lives of millions of people, no opinion was sought from the public. The issue of redemarcation or merger was not brought before the provincial assembly either.

Historically, Sehwan taluka was part and parcel of Larkana district but when Dadu was carved out as a new district in 1931, it was attached with Dadu. Sehwan taluka includes important villages such as Bhan Saeedabad which is not only a commercial centre of the area but also a hub of major social and cultural activities.

After the merger of Sehwan with Jamshoro, people have to go as far as Jamshoro, which is more than 100 miles away, even for matters like issuance of a domicile certificate. As compared to Jamshoro, Sehwan is very close to Bhan Saeedabad. Thus people have to spend time, money and energy to go from Bhan Saeedabad to Jamshoro for even a petty matter whereas the distance between Dadu and Sehwan is just 30 miles.

Besides, accessibility between Sehwan and Dadu, the transport is also cheap and in abundance. For going to Jamshoro one has to spend about Rs200 a trip, besides paying extra for board and lodging.

Similarly, the people of other towns like Jhangara and Bajara too are facing similar difficulties.

The Sindh chief minister should reconsider the whole issue of merger and restore Sehwan taluka to Dadu district to spare the people of the area unnecessary sufferings.

ALI AHMED QURESHI Bakhtiarpur