Surge in Protests Across Sindh Against Indus Canal Project
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Synopsis
A wave of protests has swept across Sindh province, Pakistan, as citizens and activists rally against the federal government's canal project on the Indus River. The protests, driven by fears of environmental disaster and threats to local agriculture, have seen widespread participation from various political and social organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted across Sindh against the canal project.
- Activists warn of potential agricultural devastation.
- Demands include fair water distribution and land for farmers.
- Political factions unite against the federal government's plans.
- Concerns about environmental and national security risks.
Islamabad, March 17 (NationPress) A series of rallies and demonstrations erupted throughout Sindh province in Pakistan on Monday, opposing the federal government’s canal initiative on the Indus River. Activists, alongside members from multiple political factions, civil society groups, trade unions, and literary organizations, are voicing strong objections against the construction of six canals on the Indus River, as reported by local media.
The Sindh Bachayo Committee and Shahri Action Committee organized a united rally in Naudero town, where protesters warned that the canal project could devastate the entirety of Sindh. Numerous villagers marched from Balhreji village to Mohenjo Daro, staging a demonstration against the initiative.
Protest leaders from local nationalist and federalist parties demanded the government provide land for farmers in Sindh, ensure equitable distribution of Indus water, and promptly abandon the corporate farming project. They cautioned that failure to address their demands would result in provincewide protests and the obstruction of major highways.
The leaders highlighted that redirecting water could result in the loss of millions of acres of fertile land in Sindh.
According to Dawn, a prominent Pakistani daily, the canal initiative poses not only an environmental catastrophe for Sindh but also a potential risk to the nation’s stability and security.
The Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Naduero chapter protested outside the local press club on Sunday, urging the government to abandon the project. The PPP Sindh Council, a coalition partner in the ruling government, has rejected the proposed construction of six new canals, asserting that Sindh will not accept any new canal projects within the Indus River system.
In a recent move, the Save Indus River Movement (SIRM) announced provincewide protests against what they termed “unconstitutional projects,” following the speech of PPP leader and current Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the canal construction. The SIRM criticized President Zardari for allegedly endorsing the canal projects and called for the PPP to withdraw from the federal government.
The protests, resonating with calls to “let the water flow,” have taken place across the province, with citizens describing such initiatives as “anti-people policies” and a “violation” of Sindh’s rights.
