Baloch militants say farewell to arms

Seven members of banned outfit lay down weapons

QUETTA: At least seven members of a banned militant organisation, including its commander, laid down their arms in front of tribal elders and decided to join the mainstream in Dera Bugti on Thursday.

Official sources said that Nehalan Bugti and his seven other group members surrendered their arms in a ceremony to Wedra Bashir Chandrazai Bugti in Dera Bugti. The local authorities were also present.



The sources added that Nehalan and his group were operating in Haft Wali, Zain Koh and Dera Bugti area and were involved in attacking security forces and other terrorist activities.

Nehalan, after surrendering his weapons, also took an oath and said he and his group have abandoned their armed struggle to join the mainstream for the development and prosperity of Balochistan.

The elder of the Bugti tribe and local officials welcomed their decision and assured the former rebels that the government under its reconciliation package would extend financial assistance for their rehabilitation and would provide security to all those who have joined the mainstream politics.