Baloch nationalists to stage protest on Bugti’s death anniversary

Published August 25, 2014
Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. – File Photo
Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. – File Photo

QUETTA: Baloch nationalist parties have announced to observe a shutter down and wheel-jam strike across Balochistan to mark the 8th death anniversary of elderly Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti on Tuesday.

Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) led by Nawab Bugti's son Talal Akbar Bugti, Baloch Republican Party led by exiled-Bloch leader Barhamdagh Bugti and other nationalists groups have given the call of strike across the province.

Nawabzada Jamil Akbar Bugti has urged upon people of Balochistan to observe the strike to pay homage to his slain father. The strike would be observed in Quetta, Noshki, Khuzdar, Naseerabad and other parts of Balochistan.

Strict security measures have been adopted by the administration to ensure peace on the eve of Bugti's death anniversary.

“An additional 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in Quetta to maintain the order,” Akbar Hussain Durrani, the Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Department Balochistan told Dawn.com.

Nawab Bugti was killed in security forces' operation in Balochistan's mountainous Kohlu district on August 26th, 2006. His killing sparked violent protests in Quetta and other parts of the province and life remained paralysed for almost a week.

Jamil Bugti had nominated former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, former governor Balochistan Owais Ahmed Ghani and others in his father’s murder case.

“Five years passed, hitherto no accused has been arrested in my father's murder case,” Jamil Bugti said. He said few days ago, a police team from Quetta had approached him with regards to investigation into the murder of Nawab Bugti.

“It is beyond comprehension that instead of arresting the accused, police are questioning me,” Jamil Bugti lamented.

The government of Balochistan has deployed security personnel at all mountains surrounding Quetta valley to avert any untoward incident, said Akbar Hussain Durrani.

Besides the provincial capital, security personnel have also been deployed at all national highways linking Balochisan with other provinces of the country.

Quetta and other troubled parts of Balochistan have always seen violent attacks on the eve of Nawab Bugti's death anniversaries. “We will ensure smooth flow of traffic tomorrow,” Durrani said, adding that nobody would be allowed to take law into their hands.

Nawab Bugti had served as governor, chief minister and federal minister. He was considered to be one of the seasoned politicians of the country. During last days of his life, Bugti formed a four party alliance to defend Baloch rights and resources.

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