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Will
support US, Nato or Indian intervention: Brahamdagh Bugti
QUETTA:
Supporting the US congressional bill on Balochistan, Baloch Republican Party's
self-exiled chief Brahamdagh Bugti has welcomed all foreign intervention in
the province whether it is by the US, Nato or India.
"America must intervene in Balochistan and stop the ethnic cleansing
of Baloch people", said Brahamdagh, 30, as reporters listened with rapt
attention to his telephonic address on Wednesday at the Quetta Press Club.
"We know that foreign countries have their personal interest but we must
think of our greater interest."
"Baloch women, political leaders, activists, students, writers, poets,
professors and intellectuals are being subjected to enforced disappearances
and undergoing torture for years. Their mutilated bodies turn up daily. Under
such circumstances, we will welcome the support of foreign countries,"
he said. "We have been accused of getting support from India but the
Baloch movement does not have any foreign support. However, we will welcome
any support for independence."
"The American resolution and committee formed for Balochistan is not
against the sovereignty of Pakistan. Every country has the right to interfere
or intervene [in another's affairs] if there are state-sponsored human rights
violations," he said.
Sceptical of mainstream politicians' and media attention to Balochistan's
affairs, Brahamdagh said the change of heart was rooted in apprehensions over
Punjab's sovereignty. "Pakistani politicians like Nawaz Sharif are now
visiting Balochistan and inquiring about the plight of Baloch people. There
are discussions and talks on TV channels and print media in recent days about
Balochistan. Because they are now worried about the sovereignty of Punjab
and [want] to protect Punjab's interest."
If they were sincere, he said, they should have raised the issue of enforced
disappearances, mutilated bodies of Baloch youth and leaders earlier.
Reiterating his stance that there is violation of human rights in Balochistan
by security forces and agencies, Brahamdagh said that Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq
Parvez Kayani had said that there was no military operation in the province
and must stop denying the truth now.
Brahamdagh pointed out that if the lawmakers believe that the situation in
Dera Bugti, Kohlu and adjoining areas is normal, they should allow free access
to the region for journalists, international humanitarian organisations and
citizens.
When asked about an all-parties conference that Prime Minister Yousaf Raza
Gilani had announced over the crisis in Balochistan, Brahamdagh said that
Baloch nationalist leaders will not join negotiations. "On one hand,
they are calling an APC while on the other, they are brutally killing Baloch
people and throwing their bullet-riddled, mutilated bodies," he said.
Brahamdagh called on Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Magsi and Chief Minister
Nawab Aslam Raisani to also join the Baloch movement, leaving behind their
"temporary" and "personal" interest as they will not achieve
anything but humiliation from supporting the Pakistani government. "If
they do not want to join the movement, they should resign from office and
sit quietly because the Baloch movement is nearing its destination. Efforts
are being made to unify the rank of Baloch leaders."
When asked about the recent killing of his sister and niece in Karachi, Brahamdagh
said that such brutalities will not compel him to withdraw or surrender from
the struggle. .