Baloch insurgency: ‘Supporters of the state will be welcomed’

IG FC says government negotiating with rebels to retain peace.

QUETTA: The government is in the process of negotiating with Baloch rebels to maintain peace in the province, said Inspector General of Frontier Corps Balochistan Major-General Obaidullah Khan.

“We will not allow the creation of a state within a state, nor will anyone be permitted to challenge the writ of the government,” Khan said on Wednesday, adding that those who wanted to give up their anti-state activities to serve the country and struggle for its prosperity and development will be welcomed back.

Speaking to the media at an Iftar held at the FC headquarters in Quetta, Khan said the government is taking practical steps to retain peace in the region. “The governor, chief minister and home ministry have been asked to constitute a committee that will be authorised to hold negotiations.”

Khan said that some elements in the province were being used as pawns at the hands of unfriendly nations to create problems for Pakistan. He went on to cite the example of 13 rebels, hailing from Dera Bugti, who laid down their weapons and surrendered. “They pledged their support to the government,” he claimed.

Khan also urged the media to fulfill its role in garnering support against elements working at the behest of foreign powers to create unrest. “They are exploiting the deprived people of Balochistan by attracting them with slogans of independence,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th,  2011.