Separatists martyred Panjgur DC, says Bugti

Balochistan CM also warns BYC not to violate terms

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that a Baloch separatist organisation was behind the attack in Mastung which resulted in the martyrdom of the Panjgur deputy commissioner and injuries to district council chairman Malik Baloch.

Speaking at a press conference at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Bugti asserted that an outlawed Baloch separatist organisation was behind the attack, citing intelligence information and evidence linking the group to the incident.

"The pattern of this attack mirrors that of previous operations," Bugti stated. He questioned how such acts align with Baloch traditions. "In Baloch traditions, when do they kill their own Baloch brothers on the streets?" Bugti asked, terming a larger conspiracy against the state. District Chairman Abdul Malik and Panjgur Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch were targeted in an armed attack in Mastung district on Monday evening. The injured were taken to the hospital for medical treatment, but Zakir was unable to survive his injuries.

The National Party quickly responded, strongly condemning the attack. Central President and former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, alongside Central Secretary General Jan Muhammad Buledi, denounced the act as an unacceptable attempt to undermine the region's nationalist and patriotic leadership.

"This is a clear and deliberate effort to worsen the situation in Balochistan under a well-thought-out plan," stated Dr. Baloch.

Both leaders emphasised that such incidents of terrorism will not be tolerated and called for immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The attack, seen as a direct challenge to the stability of Balochistan, has prompted calls for enhanced security measures for public officials in the province.

Speaking about the recent protests that hampered activity in Balochistan, particularly the port city of Gwadar, Bugti revealed that the provincial government had struck three agreements with the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), but these were violated by the latter.

"Protest is acceptable within the framework of the constitution," Bugti noted, emphasising that the government would not tolerate actions that undermine state sovereignty. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the government reached an agreement on August 9, bringing an end to the 11-day sit-ins across various parts of Balochistan, Express News reported.

Following the negotiations, a committee was established to oversee the implementation of all agreed-upon points. Once their demands were met, advanced from Gwadar to Turbat in the form of a rally.

It was agreed at the time that no force would be used against peaceful gatherings, and the Balochistan Home Department would issue a notification to this effect. Additionally, all roads in Gwadar and Makran would be reopened, and communication networks restored.