QUETTA: A leader of the banned United Baloch Army (UBA) has surrendered to authorities along with his 50 supporters.

Wali Mohammad alias Haji Kalati, the UBA ‘commander’ for Kohlu, Kahan and Barkhan region, announced his surrender at a press conference at the residence of provincial Irrigation Minister Nawab Jangeez Khan Marri here on Thursday.

Kalati claimed that he had been fighting for independence of Balochistan since 1970 and spent 45 years on mountains.

“Now I have realised that this fight has been launched by tribal chiefs to protect their own interests,” he said, adding that internal fighting among leaders of banned organisations had helped him to come to that conclusion.

Mr Marri asked members of Marri tribe to say farewell to arms, join mainstream and play a role in development of the country and the province.

Published in Dawn June 5th, 2015

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