SUKKUR, Sept 28: A large number of activists of political, nationalist and social organisations took out processions and held demonstrations and sit-ins outside the office of deputy commissioner in Jacobabad on Friday in protest against the administration’s failure to provide ration, tents and other relief goods to rain-affected people.

Activists of Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, PPP-SB, Jamot National Movement and Young Sheedi Muhalla Welfare Association brought out separate processions, which culminated in front of the main gate of DC office.

The protesters shouted slogans against DC Rafique Ahmed Buriro and District Officer of Revenue Shahid Abdul Salam and burnt tyres in front of the gate which was being guarded by a heavy contingent of police. Addressing the protesters, their leaders accused the DC and revenue officer of misappropriating funds for ration for rain-affected people through fabricated bills amounting to millions of rupees.

They said that no ration bag, tent and other essential items of daily use had been distributed among the rain victims so far and the administration officers were only engaged in photo sessions.

They alleged that trucks loaded with ration for rain victims were being handed over to influential landlords, feudal lords and their other favourites.

They urged the administration to immediately start supplying ration, tents and other relief goods to rain victims, else, they would continue protest.

They said the heavy rains had completely paralysed life in Jacobabad as the rainwater inundating houses, shops, streets and roads had not been pumped out but yet despite passage of many days.

The deputy commissioner, district officer of revenue and other staff were not present in the office during the protest, which continued for four hours.

The protesters dispersed peacefully after registering their anger.

Meanwhile, an Inter-Services Public Relations statement issued on Friday said that the Pakistan Army personnel were continuing their efforts to restore normal life in the flood-affected areas of Sindh.

According to the statement, major rescue and relief activities were under way in Kandhkot and Tangwani where flash torrents from Balochistan caused flooding.

More than 9,000 people and their cattle and belongings were rescued in various towns and villages including Badani, Raees Attaullah Bhutto, Meva Khan, Kot Omer Bhutto, Bakhshapur and Bahu Khoso, it said.