Ranipur
Frustrated residents of Ward No. 7 in Ranipur staged a sit-in protest outside the office of Public Health Engineer Sadaqat Sahoo, raising slogans against the contractor and concerned engineer for failing to deliver promised development works.

According to the protesting residents from Hussaini Mohallah, Hamdard Mohallah, and Bhittai Mohallah, funds had been allocated for development by MNA Syed Javed Ali Shah Jelani specifically for Ward 7. However, the protesters alleged that instead of carrying out works across the entire ward, the contractor and engineer colluded to execute projects selectively near the houses of their “favored individuals,” leaving most areas completely neglected.

The residents voiced their grievances, highlighting that the drainage system, sanitation services, and drinking water supply in their localities have collapsed. Despite urgent needs, visible development activity is restricted to areas linked to influential figures, they said.

Large-Scale Participation

The protest saw significant participation, with prominent local figures including Bhittai Ittehad President Mian Ejaz Ali, Chairman Amanat Ali Shahani, Naseer Ahmed Bhanbhro, Mian Shaukat Ali Farooqi, Mian Ayaz Ali Abbasi, Nokar Ali Shahani, Ashiq Hussain Junejo, and Zahid Hussain Hingoro leading the demonstration. Hundreds of residents from the three Mohallahs joined in solidarity.

Residents’ Demands

Through the media, the protesters appealed directly to MNA Syed Javed Ali Shah Jelani, urging him to take immediate notice of the alleged irregularities in development fund utilization and ensure fairness in the execution of works.

They warned that if corrective action is not taken promptly, the scope of protests will be expanded. A larger movement is planned as the “next step” to press for justice and equitable development.