DADU, May 20: A large number of growers staged a protest demonstration outside the press club here on Tuesday against the shortage of water in 32 waterways originating from the Dadu Canal and the Johi Branch.

The growers, belonging to Dadu, Sehwan, Johi, Sita, Pat Sharif and Bhan Saeedabad sub-divisions, were led by Mohammad Jamali and Akbar Khoso.

Talking to journalists, the leaders of the growers alleged that irrigation officers were selling water to influential landlords.

They said watercourses were tampered with by landlords in connivance with irrigation officers.

They said small growers of the district could not sow cotton and paddy crops due to the artificial shortage of water.

They said water was not available in tail-end areas of the Johi Branch even for drinking purpose.

They threatened to commit self-immolation if action was not taken against corrupt irrigation officers.

DEMO: A group of activists of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz staged a demonstration here on Tuesday to protest against construction of the greater Thal canal and the Kalabagh dam.

They were led by Riaz Chandio, Mohammad Channa and Niaz Panhwar.

SUSPENDED: DPO Ali Akbar Bangwar on Tuesday suspended the SHO of the Dadu town police station, Saleem Chandio, on charges of negligence in the duty.

Inspector Akbar Chandio was posted as the new SHO of the police station.