Matiari (Report by Zubair Ahmed Kalhoro):
In Matiari district, residents of Village Rais Darl Khan Khoso staged a strong protest and sit-in outside the gate of UEP Ranjhani-2 Company, accusing the company of exploitation, harassment, and betrayal of promises made to the local community. The protesters chanted loud slogans against the company’s management, demanding justice and intervention from higher authorities to protect them from what they described as “corporate tyranny.”
The demonstration was led by Aftab alias Hajan Khoso, Atta Muhammad Khoso, Mustafa Khoso, Ghani Khoso, Niaz Muhammad Khoso, and several other villagers. They were joined by dozens of local men, women, and youth who expressed anger over the company’s alleged failure to employ local residents, provide basic amenities, and stop filing false legal cases against them.
According to details, more than 11 years ago, UEP Ranjhani-2 Company had leased agricultural lands from the villagers of Rais Darl Khan Khoso, promising that in return the company would employ local youth and bring development to the area. The villagers claim that company officials had assured them of schools, hospitals, roads, electricity, and gas facilities along with economic uplift of the community. However, despite the passage of more than a decade, none of these promises have been fulfilled.
The protesters alleged that instead of offering jobs and community welfare, the company has filed false cases against villagers who demand their rights. “We were hopeful that the company’s arrival would improve our lives,” said one of the protest leaders. “But today, our youth are unemployed, our roads are broken, and our villages are still deprived of basic necessities. Instead of helping us, the company is using its power to suppress our voices.”
Demonstrators further complained that despite repeatedly submitting written petitions to district authorities, elected representatives, and both the Sindh and federal governments, no action has been taken so far. They accused local officials of turning a blind eye to their plight and allowing the company to continue its unjust practices unchecked.
The villagers demanded that immediate steps be taken to ensure that local people are hired in company operations, false cases are withdrawn, and the promised community welfare projects are implemented without further delay. They stressed that the company’s conduct has created social unrest and deep resentment in the area.
During the protest, participants carried placards inscribed with slogans such as “Provide jobs to locals,” “Fulfill your promises,” and “Stop exploiting our land.” They vowed to continue their sit-in protest until their legitimate demands are met. “We will not end our protest until justice is done,” declared Aftab alias Hajan Khoso, addressing the crowd.
