Violent retaliation: Second attack on gas pipeline in two days

Amid harsh winters, gas supply in Balochistan remains suspended.


Shezad Baloch January 15, 2011

QUETTA:


A gas pipeline and a well was blown up in the Bugti tribal territory disrupting supply to various townships and localities in the second such incident in two days.

An explosive device was attached to a gas pipeline in Bugti Colony in Sui, which exploded and destroyed the 22-inch diameter pipeline. Fire erupted from the pipeline after the blast and engulfed nearby shops and mud houses, damaging them. People in nearby houses were shifted to safer places. The well, supplying gas to the Uch power plant, was blown up by unknown miscreants.

Meanwhile, the destroyed high pressure pipeline in Dera Allah Yar is yet to be repaired 24 hours after the attack, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) officials said.

According to SSGC, emergency teams had reached the site where the 18-inch-high pressure gas pipeline had been attacked, but could not carry out repair work. “Floodwater is still standing in Dera Allah Yar, which is causing difficulties for engineers,” sources said.

Gas supply to the entire province remained disrupted and CNG stations were closed, intensifying problems for residents in the bitter cold.

Banned outfit Baloch Republican Army (BRA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. “We intensify our attacks in retaliation to the killings of innocent Baloch youth,” a spokesperson, who introduced himself as Sarbaz Baloch, told journalists from an unspecified location.

BRA has consistently targeted gas pipelines and gas wells during the past week.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2011.

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