THE resignation of the Musharraf-appointed governor of Balochistan, Nawab Zulfikar Ali Magsi, should not be read as just another act in the clearing of the Musharraf stables. On Independence Day, the governor had given his first public indication of his intention to resign, citing the depressing law and order situation in Balochistan. Speaking to the media, the governor had all but admitted that the attempts by the civilian administration in Balochistan to pacify the province had failed. Aug 26 will be the second death anniversary of Nawab Akbar Bugti and any hope that the new political dispensation after the February elections would alleviate the grim situation in Balochistan has evaporated. The coalition at the centre had promised to focus on real reform in Balochistan but has predictably opted for cosmetic changes thus far. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Gilani released Rs6bn to help tide over a financial crunch in the province. Earlier some high profile political prisoners were released, including Sardar Akhtar Mengal, president of his faction of the Balochistan National Party, and Shahzain Bugti, grandson of the late Nawab Akbar Bugti. Yet the fundamental grievances of the province — its legal relationship with the centre; control of its mineral wealth; and its share in the development projects — that sparked the violence in the province in the first place remain unaddressed.
The most immediate demand of the Baloch nationalists though is to end the military ‘operation’ in the province that they claim is being carried out. The government, however, denies that there is an on-going operation, claiming its actions are only in self-defence. To an extent, it is possible to understand the government’s predicament. As Baloch militants continue to blow up gas pipelines, railway tracks and electricity pylons, kidnap government officials, launch rockets at government installations, and attack settlers from Punjab it is difficult for the state to simply do nothing. The most radical militants in Balochistan are also not looking for a negotiated settlement. Thus Bramdagh Bugti guerrilla leader has gone on record rejecting provincial autonomy and demanding ‘complete independence’ of the Baloch land. Yet what the centre cannot afford to do is to continue to ignore the province’s political grievances. The resolution moved in the Balochistan assembly against Gen (Retd) Musharraf was unanimously supported by the house, demonstrating that the ruling coalition at the centre has the support of the province when it wants to get things done. In 2005, a subcommittee of the National Assembly had done extensive work on Balochistan after holding negotiations with various segments of society. Regrettably, the recommendations that were drawn up in a report prepared after this exercise were not implemented. Hence the com-plaint of Balochistan’s politicians and people that the centre simply does not work hard enough or fast enough to address their demands appears to be valid. Until that changes, the violence will continue.
http://www.dawn.com/2008/08/22/ed.htm |
