Local tribesmen claim innocent men killed, arrested in operation against kidnappers

One FC personnel also injured in search operation.

QUETTA: Local tribesmen in Mezai Ada area of Qila Abdullah district accused Frontier Corps (FC) forces and opposing tribesmen of killing and detaining innocent people during a search operation purportedly against a gang of kidnappers.

Security forces and Anti Terrorism Force (ATF) on March 9 launched a search operation near Mezai Ada. Two suspected criminals were reportedly killed, while 16 others had been arrested. These men, officials claimed, were involved in kidnappings. They added that weapons had been recovered from their possession.

Addressing a news conference here on Tuesday, Mohammad Shafiq Misazai, a local tribal elder, flanked by other tribesmen, said security forces and their opponents barged into their houses and opened indiscriminate fire. “60-year-old Haji Dost Mohammad and young Sadam were killed on the spot while 16 others were wounded. The forces also whisked away 14 of our injured tribesmen,” he claimed.

“All the victims were innocent and unarmed when attacked by forces and opponent tribesmen,” he said, alleging that the assailants also took away valuables from their houses.

“We are Pakistani and will not work against our country. All we need is justice,” he added.

He called upon Chief Justice of Pakistan, Army Chief and Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court to take suo motu notice of this incident.

An FC spokesperson said that security forces had conducted a search operation against criminals involved in kidnapping and other crimes. One FC personnel was also wounded during the search operation.