THATTA, Nov 13: A probe into the cancellation and subsequent allotment of hundreds of acres of agriculture land of abadgars in Kohistan to outsiders, including builders, windmill firms and certain influential persons of Karachi was initiated by the Thatta revenue administration on Tuesday.

The probe was launched following constant pressure of the affected abadgars being supported by nationalist parties and members of civil society.

However, the Kohistan Bachayo Action Committee (KBAC) termed the inquiry complete eyewash and called for a judicial probe into the matter.

Jiye Sindh Mahaz chairman Riaz Chandio and KBAC leaders Lakhmir Palari, Muhammad Bux Brohi and others alleged that the revenue authorities were themselves involved in changing the ownership deeds (Khata) of over 100,000 acres of Tapo Jhimpir in Kohistan by officially declaring them as bogus and allotment of over 35,000 acres to builder mafia, outsiders and windmill companies.

Thatta Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nawaz Sohoo held an open kutchehri in Jhimpir and got information from the participants.

The revenue officials also established a camp to verify the record of right of the claimants (the owners) of the cancelled land.

The DC told Dawn that he directed a revenue team to thoroughly scan the facts and the ownership deeds (khatas) of genuine land owners would definitely be restored.

Meanwhile, dozens of activists of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, Jeay Sindh Tehreek, JSM, and Awami Tehreek staged a sit-in in the hilly town Jhimpir and later took out a procession.

They pledged to continue their struggle till the restoration of the legitimate rights of Kohistan abadgars.