MITHI: The Karoonjhar Sujag Forum has condemned unabated extraction of gravel and stones from hilly areas of Parkar region by close aides and supporters of a PPP MNA.

The newly-formed forum’s leaders Allah Rakhio Khoso, Zulfikar Ali Khoso, Ramesh Karoonjhar and others claimed before journalists on Monday that the MNA’s men were busy extracting granite and gravel from the beds of rivulets.

The practice continued unabated despite a complete ban on the extraction of stones in the hilly region imposed by Sindh High Court’s Hyderabad circuit bench, they said, adding that the court passed the orders on a petition filed a few weeks back by a local lawyer, Ghulam Hingorjo, against the illegal practice.

They shared with media persons pictures and video clips showing the ongoing practice at quarries in Karoonjhar hills and alleged that the precious stones were being used in the construction of a bungalow of the PPP MNA in Nagarparkar town.

They said that when they approached the area police and asked them for action they feigned ignorance of the illegal practice going on under their very noses.

They said that it was not only contempt of court but also an ugly practice that had marred the beauty of the region. If it was not stopped in the light of court orders they would once again take to the streets in Tharparkar towns, they warned.

The PPP MNA was not available for comments.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2019