HYDERABAD, Feb 4: The Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Party has made it clear that it is not against the ongoing dialogue between Pakistan and India to improve bilateral relations but no decision should be taken which may convert the indigenous population into a minority in Sindh and deprive the people of their inherent rights.

In a statement issued here on Friday, party spokesman Nandlal Malhi maintained that opening of the Khokhrapar-Munabao rail route would convert the Sindhi nation into a minority and deprive it of historical rights, including the right of sovereignty.

He said the Khokhrapar route was being opened only under the agenda of President Gen Pervez Musharraf and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

He claimed that a majority of Sindhis were against the opening of the route. He said the MQM was in power and was capable of providing all facilities to outsiders, including Pakistani nationality. He accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement of dividing Sindh on ethnic lines.

He said the STPP and all patriotic forces would march from Mirpurkhas to Khokhrapar on Feb 13 to protest against the opening of the Khokhrapar route.

CASE REGISTERED: Following a clash between two groups of the Jeay Sindh Students Federation at the Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, two days ago, the Jamshoro police have registered a case of rioting and causing injuries to some students.

The FIR was registered on a complaint of Ghazi Khan Parihar, a representative of the university. Those nominated in the FIR included JSSF president Sudheer Tunio, Suriah Sindhi and Khalil Bhutto.