IT is almost two weeks since the military operation in Balochistan, originally described as raids on the hideouts of the fararis (or absconders), was initiated. Despite claims that some training camps have been destroyed, there still is no end in sight to the operation. Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao told the Senate on Tuesday the government will not stop the crackdown against militancy, though it was ready for dialogue to solve the province’s problems. As things stand, the government has relied mainly on the use of force after the December 14 rocket attack on Kohlu, where the President was addressing a gathering. This has led to widespread public protests without bringing an end to rocket and bomb attacks on power and gas installations and railway lines. On Tuesday, a pipeline from a gas well to the main purification plant was blown up in Sui gas field.
A wheeljam and shutterdown strike was observed on Tuesday in Quetta and the rest of the province on the call of the opposition parties. At least 30 political activists were reported to have been arrested. The protestors demanded an end to the ongoing operation in Kohlu and the shelving of the Kalabagh dam, the latter included to gain the sympathy of the Sindhis whose leaders would naturally reciprocate by condemning the military action in Balochistan. A prolongation of action is likely to bring more sections of the population to join protests
That Mr Shepao has shown readiness for a dialogue is to be welcomed. Military actions against civilian populations have a tendency to expand beyond the areas originally zeroed in and to turn raids into full fledged operations. In this case, the raids have now been extended to the neighbouring Bugti areas also. As the FC finds it difficult to cope with the situation, regular army units may well move in. There are already reports of gunship helicopters and fighter jets being in action in the area.. An unintended though inevitable outcome of military operations is casualties among non-combatant civilians. Tribal sources have claimed to the press that with a blockade imposed on the area the injured are not being allowed to be taken to hospitals. Such complaints have led the HRCP to send a delegation under chairperson Asma Jehangir to Kohlu. That the reports are causing concern all over the country can be gauged from the Senate’s three-day debate. While the Foreign Office is right to snub India over unwarranted comments on the situation in Balochistan which does not even share border with it, any prolongation of the action is likely to negatively affect the image of the government abroad. What is required under the circumstances is to urgently resume talks with the parties in Balochistan to resolve the issues facing the province. The earnestness shown by Nawab Akbar Bugti during the last round of talks indicates a sense of responsibility on the part of the Baloch leadership, who have closed no doors. Political conciliation can bring an end to tribal militancy, acts of sabotage and public protest in the province, the goal desired by the government. Hopefully, the Baloch leadership will also adopt a course of reconciliation rather than confrontation.
http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2005/29/editorials1.php |
