QUETTA, Oct 7: The Inspector General of Balochistan Frontier Corps, Maj-Gen Ubaidullah Khan, has stressed the need for clearing the provincial capital of illicit weapons and registering Afghan refugees and unregistered vehicles.

Talking to reporters here on Friday, he said the FC could launch a campaign against illegal weapons if ordered to do so.He said efforts to secure peace in Balochistan would suffer a setback if the FC was withdrawn.

The government, Gen Khan said, would have to take effective measures to clear the city of illegal weapons and register Afghan refugees and vehicles on which no customs duty had been paid for the sake of peace.

“Anti-peace elements are involved in creating a law and order situation in Balochistan to damage the interests of the country,” he said, adding that it was the FC which could maintain peace in the province.

Replying to a question, he claimed there was proof of foreign interference in Balochistan.

He said the Afghan government had been told that anti-peace elements had set up their camps in that country and they were committing acts of aggression in Balochistan from there.

He stressed the need for cooperation between law-enforcement agencies and the people.

The FC chief said there were links between banned religious organisations and other extremist groups and they were being patronised and supported by foreign powers.

Extremists are killing innocent people and some people in the province are giving them shelter for the sake of money.

The IG rejected allegations levelled against the FC and said the force was providing security on portions of highways whichcame within the jurisdiction of its checkpoints.

He said the government had been asked to set up posts on the Loralai-Rakhni and Sibi roads to protect commuters.

Maj-Gen Khan said no one would be allowed to damage peace, obstruct development work and carry out a negativepropaganda against the state.

He said the misguided people should part ways with anti-peace elements and take part in efforts being made for progress and prosperity of the people of Balochistan.

“Negative forces will have to leave the path of violence as atrocities against innocent people will not be tolerated,” he said.