حزب مردم بلوچستان  Balochistan People’s Party  بلوچستانءِ اُستمانءِ گــَل

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Baloch in Oman show their Solidarity

PRESS RELEASE


KALAT, Balochistan -- The Baloch in Oman are expressing their solidarity for their brethrens in Pakistani-occupied and Iranian-occupied Balochistan. Below are photos showing the Flag of Balochistan pasted on an American-made Chevrolet Cavalier:






Baloch News Bureau Report


Mir Azaad Khan Baloch
General Secretary
The Government of Balochistan in Exile
http://governmentofbalochistan.blogspot.com/

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Balochis in Oslo protest upon arrival of PM

01-09-2006

OSLO: Balochi leaders and workers belonging from various organizations in Norway staged a protest demonstration on the arrival of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Oslo.

A large number of Baloch protested outside the hotel in which Shaukat Aziz addressed the Pakistani community soon after his arrival and then later outside the Norwegian parliament.

The protestors were carrying huge portraits of Nawab Akbar Bugti, flag of Balochistan, banners and play cards.

Balochis from neighbouring countries of Denmark, Sweden, Germany and other countries also came to Oslo to join in the protest.

Baloch Action Committee Spokesman Ahsan Arjmandi Baloch talking to reporters told that Baloch Action Committee has met Norwegian advisor on South Asia Affairs and have told her that Pakistan government has stored nuclear resources in Balochistan which is hurting the environment as well as endangering the lives of the people.

He said that the Balochi people are suffering from the after effects of the 1998 nuclear tests, water is contaminated, irrigation is suffering, defected children are being born and cases of cancer are on the rise.

Norwegian advisor assured that they will look into the matter and would obtain a report in this regard through its embassy in Islamabad.

Balochi delegation also asked that Norway government should also raise its voice against the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti like US and India.

http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=101763

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Baloch in Nimroz condemns Bugti's death


ZARANJ, Aug 29 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Baloch living on this side of the border Tuesday condemned the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti in a military operation in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Saturday.

A meeting, attended by around 4,000 Baloch, was held in the Jame Mosque of the western Nimroz province to offer Fateha (prayer) for the soul of the deceased Baloch nationalist leader.

The participants praised late Nawab Bugti for his courage and bravery and offered him rich tributes. Addressing the gathering, Maulvi Mohammad Sarwar, an ethnic Baloch and head of the provincial court said Bugti's death was a great loss for the entire Baloch nation.

Baloch people are inhabiting the border areas of the three neighbours, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. About 30,000 Baloch are living in the western Nimroz province.

Akbar Khan Bugti was killed along with his family members and comrades in an air and ground operation conducted by the Pakistan army. Bugti's death was widely condemned by almost all Pakistani political parties while the two cities of Quetta and Karzachi were paralysed by strike and violent protests.

Mustafa Kazimi

by/dk

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Baloch in Kabul mourn Bugti's death


KABUL, Aug 30 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Afghanistan's ethnic Baloch community on Wednesday offered Fateha (prayer) for late Nawab Akbar Bugti, who was killed in a military operation in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Saturday.

The prayer offered at Kabul's main Eidgah Mosque, was also attended by speaker of the Wolesi Jirga Younus Qauni and Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Noor Mohammad Qarqin.

This is the second time Fateha is being offered for the Baloch leader in Afghanistan. Earlier, a similar ceremony was held in the western province of Nimroz which was attended by more than 4,000 ethnic Baloch.

The Fateha for Bugti is offered at a time when the country will observe solidarity day with Pashtuns and Baloch communities on the other side of the Durand Line tomorrow (Thursday). August 31 is celebrated solidarity day with Pashtuns and Baloch since 1955.

Prominent Pashtun and Baloch leaders from the other side of the border are expected to attend the main function of the day at the Pashtunistan Square in Kabul.

Secretary to the Minister for Borders and Tribal Affairs Haji Ghulam Dastagir told Pajhwok Afghan News the ministry had adopted special arrangements to celebrate the day. At the same time, solidarity will be expressed with Baloch community who had lost their leader, added Dastagir.

Abdul Rauf Liwal

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Bugti killing tragic, says Rajnath

Special Correspondent
http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/31/stories/2006083103821300.htm
31-08-2006
Nawab Bugti

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh Wednesday expressed concern over the killing of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti by the Pakistan army.

It was tragic that the Pakistan Government had killed one of their leaders while providing hideouts to the Al-Qaeda and other terrorist outfits, he said.

In a statement, he said it seemed that Pakistan had not learnt any lesson from its misadventure in 1971 in then East Pakistan and now Bangladesh.

The killing of Bugti exposed the duplicity and double standards of Pakistan's military establishment. Islamabad was taking no effective action against terror groups. Instead, Pakistan had become a safe sanctuary for them, he said.

India should initiate appropriate diplomatic efforts to ensure stability in Balochistan, he added.

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Ambassador Oakley calls Nawab Bugti a martyr

31 Aug 2006

WASHINGTON DC -- Former U.S. Ambassador Robert Oakley on Thursday called Nawab Akbar Bugti a martyr.

In a condolence message sent to U.S.- based Baloch journalist Ahmar Mustikhan, Oakley said "No doubt he welcomed a martyr’s death, in combat. We shall all miss him."

Oakley is said to have become a close personal friend of Bugti during his posting as U.S. envoy to Pakistan .

Oakley said he worked together closely with Nawab Bugti and had developed a good personal relationship during his period as US Ambassador to Pakistan 1988-1991.

According to analysts, Nawab Bugti's one-on-one meetings with Oakley earned him the ire of the Pakistan intelligence establishment. Nawab Bugti's son Salal Bugti was killed the year after Oakley completed his stint as ambassador.

"Behind his idiosyncrasies, he was a very intelligent man committed to what he saw as best for his country as well as his tribe and clan, open to reason," Oakley said.

The Pakistani intelligence feared Nawab Bugti might have conveyed to Oakley the Baloch aspirations for an independent state.

"Nawab Akbar Bugti leaves behind a myriad of friends and admirers, of which I am certainly one," Oakley said.
 

Source: BalochUnity YahooGroup

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Afghanistan: Pakistani Tribal Leader's Killing Touches Nerve
 

http://www.rferl.org
By Amin Tarzi

Will Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Afghan President Hamid Karzai continue to so friendly?
(epa)
WASHINGTON, August 31, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- As Pakistan faces a backlash after the killing of Baluch tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti on August 26, Islamabad has rejected criticism from New Delhi and Kabul, calling the incident an internal affair.

Violent protests have raged in Pakistan, especially in Baluchistan, since Baluch tribal leader Bugti was killed in unclear circumstances during an attack by Pakistani security forces on his cave hideout on August 26.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz survived a confidence vote on August 29 -- only the second time a no-confidence motion has been made in parliament against a prime minister since Pakistan's establishment in 1947.

Bugti's relationship with the central government in Pakistan was marked by highs and lows, but in general the tribal leader had advocated more economic and political autonomy for Baluchistan through insurgencies and by using the Jamhuri Watan Party, which he founded and has led since 1990.

There are reports that Bugti -- who actually served briefly as governor of Baluchistan in the 1970s -- was a backer of the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), a group that advocates violence in seeking an independent Baluch state.

While Pakistan deals with the fallout from Bugti's death, Islamabad has made it explicitly clear that the entire affair is an internal matter, specifically telling Afghanistan and India to refrain from meddling.

Reaction From Kabul, New Delhi

Afghan President Hamid Karzai's spokesman and the country's National Assembly have condemned Bugti's killing. During a debate in the Wolesi Jirga (People's Council), members of parliament on August 28 debated the issue. While some Afghan lawmakers pointed out that Bugti's killing was Pakistan's internal affair, many called the action by Pakistan "an inhumane act." Pakistan says it did not intend to harm Bugti and that he was killed by explosives that went off after a Pakistani bomb attack.

Bugti's case is "indeed the internal affair of Pakistan, but it also has a connection with the people of Afghanistan, because we have always defended the rights of the Baluch and Afghans [Pashtuns living in the Northwest Frontier Province]," Kabul-based Tolu Television quoted an unidentified Afghan parliamentarian as saying. Another unnamed Wolesi Jirga member condemned Bugti's killing on "behalf of the people of Afghanistan," and expressed sympathy to the "Baluch tribe and all freedom fighters of the world."

The Indian Foreign Ministry called the killing of Bugti "unfortunate" and a "tragic loss to the people of Baluchistan and Pakistan." Indian media has generally been much more critical of Pakistan's handling of the affairs in Baluchistan.

Islamabad's Concerns

Substantiated or not, since 2003 Islamabad has accused its arch-nemesis India of setting up camps in Afghanistan to train Afghans and Pakistanis as terrorists to destabilize Pakistan, especially in Baluchistan.

Pakistan charges that with the presence of Indian troops in Afghanistan, New Delhi is encircling Pakistan with consulates and commandos and is financing militant organizations, namely the BLA.

While Karzai has repeatedly said that Afghanistan's relations with India "in no way" have an impact on ties between Kabul and Islamabad, the similar reaction from New Delhi and Kabul regarding Bugti's killing certainly does not help to quiet Islamabad's anxieties (see "RFE/RL Afghanistan Report," April 26, 2006).

Responding to a question about Afghan and Indian concerns about Bugti's killing, Pakistani military spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan said on August 29 that his country's Foreign Office has issued a clear statement on the comments made by Kabul and New Delhi, deeming them a "violation of all diplomatic norms."

Sultan added that these comments "point to the fact that if something happens in Baluchistan, [we know] who is involved in it." He did not elaborate but left no doubt that Pakistan sees an Indian hand with Afghan collaboration in Baluchistan unrest.

The Bugti affair once again brings attention to the need for Kabul not to exacerbate its already troubled relationship with Islamabad. While Pakistan needs to accept Afghanistan as an independent country -- one not subservient to its demands -- Kabul has to be careful not to play the Pashtun and Baluch card or get involved in the Indian-Pakistani games so much that Islamabad goes on high alert.

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‘Cluster bombs’ killed Bugti
 

Official version of cave collapse pooh-poohed Asia News International

Quetta, August 30

Nawabzada Hyrbair Marri has alleged that cluster bombs were used to kill Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and other tribesmen in last Saturday’s military operation in the Kohlu Hills.

Rejecting the government’s claims that Nawab Bugti had died because of the collapse of his cave hideout, Marri said the armed forces had targeted him with gunship helicopters and jet fighters.

“The story of the cave’s collapse is a propaganda ruse of the rulers to deceive the people,” Marri was quoted by The Dawn, as saying.

Issuing an appeal to the world media to visit the site of Nawab Bugti’s killing to expose the real truth behind the operation, Marri said Nawab Bugti’s death was planned and not an accident as was being touted by Islamabad.

He was reacting to a statement issued by Major-Gen Shaukat Sultan, Director-General, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), who said Nawab Bugti had not been killed by the Pakistan Army, but in an accident.

Major-General Sultan claimed that the terrain was very rugged and almost inaccessible. He said a tribesman from the Bugti clan, who was guiding law-enforcement agencies, had earlier entered the cave and confirmed the presence of people inside, including Nawab Akbar Bugti.

After sometime, the guide returned to the commanding officer of law-enforcement agencies, who then went inside the cave. During this process, the cave collapsed all of sudden, leaving all inmates of the cave dead, he said.

Maj-General Sultan said the commanding officer had gone into the cave to negotiate with Nawab Akbar Bugti for his arrest as the government had intended to take him into custody. He said there was no confirmation about the presence of any of the kinsmen of Nawab Bugti.

Giving details of the incidents between August 24 and 26, Maj-General Sultan said during the three days of engagement, seven personnel of the law-enforcement agencies were killed, including four officers, one JCO and two of other ranks.

He further said the bodies of the law enforcers were recovered on August 26 and August 27 as they had not covered much distance inside the cave and the rituals were carried out on August 28.

Nawabzada Marri, however, urged the Baluch people to unite in the face of aggression.

IANS adds from ISLAMABAD: In an effort to deflect mounting criticism of its military operation that killed Baluchistan’s separatist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, the Pakistani authorities are now saying that the cave in which the Baluch leader, was hiding collapsed due to an explosion.

Giving the official version to counter what he called “deliberate disinformation,” Major-General Sultan, Director-General, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said: “A guide was sent into the cave. The moment he came out, the Commanding Officer immediately rushed into the cave along with two other officers and troops. When the officers went inside the cave, a large explosion occurred and the cave collapsed.” He said a Bugti tribe guide accompanying the paramilitary forces confirmed that Akbar Bugti was inside the cave. The guide survived, as he was behind the officers at the time of the cave’s collapse.

“Yes, he (guide) met and spoke to Nawab Bugti,” The Nation quoted Maj-General Sultan as telling the media.

“Nawab Bugti was hiding in a cave that collapsed after a big explosion burying the officers who were entering the cave to talk to Nawab Bugti.” He said a heavy cache of arms had been recovered from the spot besides a box containing an amount of Rs 100 million (About $16,00,000). “Another box contains $96,000 and few papers.” He said it could have been an explosion or firing that caused the collapse of the cave. “We are not sure about it as the people who could have the knowledge were buried under the rubble. Two bodies of the officers were taken out the same evening while the remaining three bodies were taken out on August 27.” To a question, Maj-General Sultan reiterated that probably the officers went inside the cave to negotiate with Nawab Akbar Bugti but the cave collapsed. “Every effort was being made to apprehend him (Bugti) alive and not to kill him.” Giving details of the incident on August 26, near Kohlu, Baluchistan, he said he was unable to confirm the presence of Nawab Bugti’s two grandsons inside the cave.

He said army engineers had carried out a survey of the site and in their opinion the debris could only be removed manually. “Army engineers are prepared to work and the whole process, if started, will likely to take four to five days.”

He said the engineers were sent who carried out a survey of the collapsed cave. In their opinion any use of explosive to remove the rubble was likely to result in the complete collapse of the cave.

“The use of heavy machinery is also highly dangerous as a minor vibration can result into the collapse of the whole structure. There is also no place for heavy machinery to work there,” Maj-General Sultan added.

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News

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE

AI Index: ASA 04/001/2006 (Public)
News Service No: 221

Embargo Date: 30 August 2006 01:00 GMT

Published

New patterns of enforced disappearance related to the "war on terror" have emerged in South Asia alongside the long-standing problems in countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka. In all cases, the families of the victims suffer emotionally, socially and financially, said Amnesty International on International Day of the Disappeared.

Amnesty International believes that several hundreds of people have become victims of enforced disappearances in Pakistan in the context of the "war on terror". Whilst many of those have eventually been acknowledged as being held in Guatanamo Bay, others are believed still to be held in Pakistani detention although their precise whereabouts remain unknown. Some people were released after receiving threats not to reveal details about their detention, while others were subsequently criminally charged. In at least one case, the body of a victim of enforced disappearance was found six months after he had been captured. The fate or whereabouts of many others remain unknown

Meanwhile, there are fears that a pattern of enforced disappearance by state agents is re-emerging in Sri Lanka following the introduction of new Emergency Regulations in August 2005 that granted sweeping powers to the security forces. Sixty-two cases of enforced disappearance in the north of the country have been registered by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka over the past year. The Commission is also investigating the status of 183 other individuals who are still missing under unknown circumstances.

"South Asia has a history of enforced disappearances, with tens of thousands of people going missing over past decades in countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is very disappointing to see countries such as Pakistan join in a trend that one would hope would be declining," said Catherine Baber, Deputy Asia Pacific Director at Amnesty International.

"Enforced disappearance is a gross violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. It affects not only the victims but also takes a heavy toll on their families. Relatives are left to agonise over the fate of their loved ones in the face of official denials and contradictions. They are harrassed in their attempts to obtain information and face financial difficulties when the victim is the breadwinner."

The fate and whereabouts of Pakistani Saifullah Paracha was unknown for six weeks after he was taken into US custody on arrival at Bangkok airport on 5 July 2003. His wife Fatah Paracha told Amnesty International that the events had "emotionally devastated the whole family". "Can you imagine the mental agony and anxiety we experienced as a family when this happened and there was no response from anyone?...[Our children] are no longer carefree children but have become suspicious and worried... All friends of the family have backed off, everyone is scared to know us." Saifullah Paracha is now known to be held at Guantanamo Bay, but his family have no idea how long he will remain there.

The families of thousands of victims of enforced disappearance remain in limbo, whilst the fate of their relative remains unknown. In Nepal, a government committee announced in July that it was investigating more than 600 outstanding cases of enforced disappearance, but local activists say there are more than 1000 individuals who are unaccounted for. Sri Lanka has one of the highest levels of unresolved enforced disappearances in the world. In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, an estimated 8,000- 10,000 enforced disappearances have been reported since 1989. While fewer new cases are reported now, there is still no information about past cases.

Faced with a lack of official action, some family members have set up mutual support groups. One is the Association of the Parents of Disappeared Persons in Jammu and Kashmir, which provides support to relatives including the "half widows" -- women who are deprived of compensation so long as they refuse to declare their husbands dead.

Armed groups are often implicated in the abduction of people who speak out against them, with some victims held for months and even years in secret locations. In Nepal, thousands of abductions are believed to have been carried out by Maoist fighters over the decade-long conflict; more than 330 such people are still missing, according to the country's National Human Rights Commission.

New cases of enforced disappearance continue to emerge in South Asian countries. In Sri Lanka, eight Tamil men did not return home on 6 May when they went to decorate a Hindu temple in preparation for a religious festival. Their families reported them missing the following morning, saying they had seen Sri Lanka army personnel at the temple during the night. The mens' whereabouts remain unknown.

In Pakistan, the indifference shown to the enforced disappearance of terror suspects has contributed to its spread beyond "war on terror" related cases. The enforced disappearance of members of other groups such as Baloch and Sindhi nationalists are now also being reported. Courts are swamped with habeas corpus petitions to determine victims' whereabouts. State agents routinely deny holding the victims or knowing anything about their fate or whereabouts.

"People should be arrested and detained according to the law, not forced into a van in the middle of the night and swept off to an anonymous detention centre where they risk torture and further abuses. Individuals have the right to challenge their detention, to see a lawyer of their choosing and talk to their families. Families have a right to know where their relatives are," said Catherine Baber.

Notes to Editors
Amnesty International will be releasing a report on enforced disappearances related to the "war on terror" in Pakistan later this year. If you would like to receive this report, please contact the press office.

Amnesty International is lobbying for the draft International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance to be adopted by consensus and without amendment at the 61st session of the UN General Assembly this year.

To see an Amnesty International factsheet about enforced disappearances in the "war on terror", please go to: http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engact400132005

AFAD, the Asian Federation Against Enforced Disappearance, is the regional body of support groups formed by relatives of the victims of enforced disappearance. Its website is at http://www.desaparecidos.org/afad/.
 

Public Document

****************************************

For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566

Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org********

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Solidarity Day observed with Pashtuns, Baloch

KABUL, Aug 31 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Hundreds of Pashtuns and Baloch gathered here on Thursday to observe the Solidarity Day with Pashtuns and Baloch on the other side of the Durand Line.

The day is being observed every year on August 31 in Kabul since 1955. However, this year, the event was dominated by the killing of Baloch leader Akbar Bugti in a military operation in Pakistan and the participants unanimously condemned the act.

The Solidarity Day function was held in the Khushal Khan High School. Besides hundreds of Pashtun and Baloch tribal elders and government officials, Minister for Borders and Tribal Affairs Karim Barahavi and advisor to President Hamid Karzai on cultural affairs Zalmay Heewadmal also attended the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Karim Barahavi said not only Pashtuns and Baloch but all Afghans should develop unity in their ranks. He said the day was a part of Afghanistan's history.

On this occasion, the elders expressed grief and sorrow over the killing of Bugti and termed the government of Pakistan responsible for his death.

Akram Shinwari, a tribal elder, in his address to the gathering, said the killing of a leader could not put an end to their independence struggle. He said they fully share the grief of their Baloch brethren.
Nadir Khan, member of the Wolesi Jirga from Paktika, said Bugti's killing would prove a great blow to the government of Pakistan.
Zubair Babakarkhail

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Pakistan Army launched another operation in different areas of Kohlu

Dawn.com

QUETTA, Sept 3: The Anjuman Ittehad Marri (AIM) has said that security forces have launched another operation in different areas of Kohlu district and many people have been killed.

An AIM spokesman said here on Sunday that the security forces were using helicopter gunships and fighter jets against militants who were offering strong resistance.

He said that helicopter gunships had pounded Tartani, Bhamboor, Surian Kor and other areas of Kohlu district, killing at least 18 people, including women and children.

He claimed that 70 families comprising 350 people were missing.

The spokesman further said that law-enforcement agencies had recently arrested over 20 people from the New Kahan area near Quetta.

He said that after the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti, more troops and heavy weapons had arrived in Kohlu district... (Dawn)

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Baloch and Sindhis Demonstrate in London

By Walid Garboni

03-09-2006

Hundreds of Baloch and Sindhis gathered in London and demonstrated outside the British prime minister house on 3 September 2006 at 1pm local time.

The demonstrators had held placards with slogans ‘We condemn the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti by Pakistan govt’ Stop supplying arms to Pakistan’ Shame on Pakistani Army’ shame on Musharraf’ Pakistan is Mother of Evils’ Nawab Bugti shall live in our hearts and minds for ever’ No Pakistan, No Al Qaeda’ We demand international intervention in Balochistan’ Stop Criminal Pakistani Military Operation in Balochistan’

 

The demonstration was addressed by prominent Baloch and Sindhi leaders who strongly condemned the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti. Amongst the Speakers were Mr. Hussain of Greater Balochistan National Congress, Dr Doshoki of BUF, Jamshid Amiri of BUF-D, Rahim Baloch of BPP.

It appeared that the attitude of Baloch and Sindhi groups have changed towards a harder line than what was seen in previous demonstrations. When a banner was displayed by some individual stating ‘ Faujiun door hatu Pakistan hamara hay’ (army keep away Pakistan is ours), the demonstrators angrily remove and destroyed the banner.

Another group carrying Pakistani flag and a banner on which was written ‘We are Pakistanis and We love Baloches, Sindhis, Pashtuns and Punjabis’ wanted to join the demonstration was stopped by the police on the demand of demonstrators and was sent away.

In this demonstration a new speaker Mr. G Hussain Baloch immerged with a powerful speech. Speaking on behalf of Greater Balochistan National Congress he said ‘Baloch and Sindhis have been gathering again and again since the start of operation in Balochistan and have urged Her Majesty’s government to intervene and we are here again and ask Mr. Blair to voice against the ongoing army operation in Balochistan.’

He added ‘we are talking about the Balochistan which was sliced and divided between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan by the British Empire.’

Mr. Hussain was the only speaker who voiced against Iranian oppression of Baloch people and said ‘the peace loving, democracy loving, secular minded people of Balochistan are being bombed, arrested, tortured, killed and imprisoned by the occupying forces of Iran and Pakistan and yet the international community is silence on this.’

On behalf of Greater Balochistan National Congress he thanked governments of India and Afghanistan for condemning Pakistan over the killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

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Man hanged in public in volatile Iran province

Iran Focus

Tehran, Iran, Sep. 05 – A man was hanged in public on Monday in one of Iran’s most volatile provinces.

The man, identified as Gholam-Reza Rigi, was publicly hanged at dawn in the town of Saravan, the official news agency IRNA reported.

He was accused of drug smuggling.

Iranian authorities routinely execute dissidents on the bogus charge of drug smuggling.

Saravan is situated in the south-eastern province of Sistan-va-Baluchestan which has been a hotbed of anti-government activities.

In recent months, Iranian authorities have stepped up executions in the restive province in what many Baluchis believe is a response to a spate of attacks by dissidents on government and security officials.
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Iraqi Kurdistan: The “Two Flags Crisis” aftermath

2006-09-06

Below is an extract of an article published by Alsumaria an Iraki satellite network:

“What are the reasons behind the “two flags” crisis between Kurdistan and Baghdad? Why did Iraqi Kurdistan President take such a decision at the current time? What would be the implications of his decision on reconciliation project? How does President Jalal Talabani regard this issue?

The political noise that followed the President of Iraqi Kurdistan decision to lower the Iraqi national flag in Kurdistan and the statement made by Prime Minister Nuri Maliki that the Iraqi flag is the only flag that should be raised over any square inch of Iraq until the Parliament passes a resolution concerning this issue in conformity with the constitution, pushed Barazani to explain his motives by saying that the aim was limited to arrangements perspectives. However, the repercussions of this issue aroused the fears of some political parties. They considered that it might hinder the next meeting of Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee to be held in Arbil during the ongoing month. In this context, Head of Iraqi Accordance front, Adnan Al Dulaymi was surprised by the timing of Barazani’s declaration especially since the prevailing talks nowadays are about reconciliation.”

Moreover, many MPs expected the “two flags crisis” to be a fervent issue during the next Parliament session while the Coalition MPs insist on keeping the same agenda in the current time.Saleh Al Motlak, Head of Iraqi Dialogue Front, has called on President Jalal Talabani to decide on this matter.

Source

Alsumaria news

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Iraqi Kurdistan: Push for a National Anthem
 

2006-09-06

Iraqi Kurds are preparing to declare their national anthem following the decree of Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, which banned the Iraqi flag in the Kurdish region.

The KRG’s call for a national anthem came at a point when debates over Barzani’s threat to found an independent state are heating up.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), a member of the KRG, released a statement on its official website informing another important issue, aside from the flag decree, was the preparation of a national anthem for the Kurdish region.

The statement was penned by former PUK Politburo member Karwan Enwer and reads: “The national anthem issue has not been attached adequate significance since the 1991 Kurdish revolt against the Saddam regime. Television channels have broadcasted thousands of love music videos. However, we have failed to write a national anthem acceptable to our citizens.”

Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Massoud Barzani had issued a notice on Friday banning the current Iraqi flag from all official buildings in the Kurdish region.

In the face of reactions from Sunni and Turkoman leaders, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki ordered the Iraqi flag to be hoisted on every inch of the Iraqi soil.

Source
Zaman Daily News

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Dutch Colonel Criticises Pakistan

KANDAHAR, 16/09/06 - The highest-ranking Dutch officer in Afghanistan expressed his frustration on Friday about the mission in the province of Uruzgan. A constant supply of 'fresh' Taliban from Pakistan means the Dutch troops are beating their heads against a brick wall, Colonel Arie Vermeij suggested.

The colonel is deputy commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). From the Southern Regional Command Centre in Kandahar, he supervises the rebuilding tasks of the international troops in the six southern regions of Afghanistan.

Vermeij claimed that the Taliban thwart ISAF's rebuilding efforts with attacks and other armed activities. It would make a great difference if neighbour Pakistan were to monitor the border area more stringently, he said on Friday in Defensiekrant, the magazine of the Defence Ministry.

"Unfortunately, al-Qaeda supports the Taliban, who also receive help from within Pakistan. The Pakistani government is apparently unable to deal with the Taliban in the border area of Baluchistan and to keep the border crossing with Afghanistan closed. About 40 percent of the Taliban, particularly leaders, form the hard core and arrive well-trained directly from Pakistan."

The colonel observed that the Taliban are continuously supplied with arms from Pakistan and provided with resources such as communication equipment and vehicles. "Our work will remain difficult as long as Pakistan does not keep the border closed. We capture or eliminate many Taliban, but these are replaced by new fighters from Pakistan and other countries," Vermeij explained.

Commandant of the Armed Forces Dick Berlijn does not agree with the colonel's analysis. In Berlijn's view, the situation is difficult but the mission is not impossible. In addition, "consultations with Pakistan are continuously taking place about more efforts to halt the influx. But mountainous land is involved and the tribal structure also plays a role," Berlijn pointed out. "The image of continuous fighting is inaccurate. Many projects are being carried out."

Defence Minister Henk Kamp chose Berlijn's line. The minister added that he could imagine the NATO-led ISAF-mission would like to have more troops. "But these will not come from the Netherlands."

http://www.nisnews.nl/
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Nato backs down over Pakistan ultimatum

By Ahmed Rashid in Islamabad
(Filed: 16/09/2006)

War against Pak to intensify: Marri
Asian News International
Karachi, September 15, 2006
http://www.hindustantimes.com

Eighty-two year-old Sardar Khari Baksh Marri has now donned the mantle of Baloch leadership after the August 26 killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

In an exclusive interview to the agency, Marri said: "There is no possibility of a peaceful dialogue with Islamabad and the war for Balochistan's liberation is now going to intensify."
Khair Baksh Marri is the leader of the Marri tribe, the biggest tribe of Balochistan.
While Akbar Khan Bugti was the sardar of one tribe, Marri is seen as the sardar of all Balochistan, and in that sense, he holds the greater sway over Baluchistan. He is wanted by the authorities and is on the run.
When asked about the violence characterising the Baloch struggle against Islamabad, Marri said: "A peace dialogue with Islamabad is now useless. The war continues and whoever wins this war, will win Balochistan."
Another point made by Marri was that the Baloch struggle was primarily directed against the Punjabis.
"Our war is against Punjabis and the exploitation that they have done of our province," Marri said.
He specifically mentioned the Gwadar Port, and said that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) "will drive out all Punjabis from the Gwadar area".
Marri said that the resources in Balochistan belonged to the Baloch people and "no one will be allowed to exploit it".
In the interview, Marri made it clear that the Balochis were "no longer interested in autonomy, but in complete independence."
"Our freedom struggle has started, and we will take Balochistan to its pre-1947 position. Our annexation by Pakistan was illegal, and we will reverse it," Marri said.

When asked about the BLA, 50 percent of whose members reportedly come from the Marri tribe, Marri was full of praise for their role in the struggle to free Balochistan from the yoke of Islamabad.
"If my health had permitted, I would have led the BLA," Marri said.
"The BLA is in good hands and it will strike very hard at Pakistani interests in the days to come," he further added.
Marri explained that there was a feeling of complete alienation among Balochis is so far as Islamabad was concerned, and no amount of placating or statements from Islamabad "would make any difference to the cause".
Marri's views on Baluchistan came even as the International Crisis Group (ICG) called on the Pakistan Government to stop military action against the BLA in Balochistan.
The ICG urged the Musharraf regime to talk with political parties to resolve the conflict.

It warned that the conflict in gas-rich Balochistan could intensify if the government pressed on with an offensive against the BLA, which is fighting for independence from the rest of Pakistan.
Federal Information Minister Mohammed Ali Durrani has rejected the ICG report, which says that, "by choosing confrontation, the Musharraf Government bears responsibility for the state of the conflict."
"The only one way out is to end all military action, release political prisoners and respect constitutionally guaranteed political freedoms," the ICG report adds.
Noting that several people have been killed in violent street protests and bomb blasts in the wake of Bugti's death, the report further warns Islamabad that that people in Pakistan's largest province are unhappy about a lack of political representation.
'Sheer force' The ICG report says has only heightened the demand for more autonomy and this has widespread support among the population of the province.
"The military government should recognise that it faces conflict not with a handful of sardars [tribal chiefs], but with a broad-based movement for political, economic and social empowerment.

The military can retain control over Balochistan's territory through sheer force, but it cannot defeat an insurgency that has local support," the ICG says.
Government officials say a handful of tribal chiefs are behind the trouble in the province, because they fear their power base would be eroded by government plans to develop the region.
President Musharraf has pledged major infrastructure projects in Balochistan to win back lost support, while also promising to deal firmly with the militants.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Senate is continuing its debate on the Balochistan situation.
One of its members, Colonel (retired) Tahir Mushhadi called for the re-introduction of civilised norms to pave the way for a political solution to all problems besetting the province.
He said miscreants involved in anti-state activities, should be singled out and action be taken against them.

Mushhadi said all the political players should be treated equally and there should be no political victimisation.
He said political differences are to be resolved through dialogues and every one should work to promote democratic norms in the country.
Saadia Abbasi said Balochistan should be seen as an important unit of the federation and it must have all the rights as envisaged in the Constitution.
Babar Awan said that Baloch leaders had responded positively and cast their vote in favour of establishment of a Muslim land when Pakistan became independent in 1947, while Kulsoom Parveen said some political circles wanted to cash in on emotions of the Baloch people.
She said no one should exploit the political situation in Balochistan for personal benefit.

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Demonstration against Gen Musharaf

21-09-2006

Balochistan Action Committee-UK in association with World Sindhi Congress, Baluchistan Rights Movement and Sindhi-Baluch Forum is staging a big demonstration against Gen Musharaf on his visit to the British Prime Minister’s Country House, the Chequers on Thursday 28^th September 2006 to protest vigorously against target killing of our great leader Nawab Akbar Bugti on 26^th August 2006 and against Pakistani Army for its ongoing brutal military operation in Balochistan and it’s extra-judicial arrest of thousands of Baloch activists.

Balochistan Action Committee-UK appeals to all Baloch and Sindhi in the UK and Europe to actively participate and come to the Chequers to express their detest to Gen Musharaf for target killing of Nawab Bugti, military operation and grotesque violation of human-rights in Balochistan and his refusal to recognise Baloch nation’s legitimate rights.

Balochistan Action Committee-UK

Venue:      The Chequers

                   Durmond Lane

                   Prince Risborough,

Buckinghamshire, UK

Transportation by coaches will be provided (pick-up point shall be announced once the numbers of participants are confirmed).

Contact: Baloch by E.mail    balochactions@yahoo.co.uk

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Karachi Baloch newsman missing

21-06-2006

By Our Staff Reporter

KARACHI, Sept 20: A journalist working for a local English daily went missing on Wednesday. Saeed Sarbazi left home in the Old Town in his car in the morning. He neither reached his office nor the press club, the places he usually went, his wife said, adding his mobile phone was switched off.

The family lodged a report at the Eidgah Police station. City police chief Niaz Siddiqui said that police had been informed about the disappearance of Mr Sarbazi. “We are trying to find him,” he added.

Chief of the Citizen-Police Liaison Committee Sharfuddin Memon said that he had been informed about it and the CPLC was making efforts to locate him.

Meanwhile, Karachi Press Club President Ghazi Salahuddin, Secretary Najeeb Ahmed, members of the governing body and office-bearers of the Karachi Union of Journalists have expressed concern over the mysterious disappearance of Mr Sarbazi and called upon the authorities concerned to ensure his safe and early recovery

ARIF BALOCH > BALOCHISTAN EXPRESS KARACHI

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This is the sample letter below that I just sent to Committee to Protect Journalists

2109-2006

Please everyone must send email to info@cpj.org

Please include your address and phone number.

Dear CPJ:

A senior journalist working for a local English daily went missing on Wednesday, presumably abducted by Pakistan's intelligence services.

Saeed Sarbazi, a journalist of ethnic Baloch origin, left home in the Old Town in his car in the morning. He neither reached his office nor the press club, the
places he usually went, his wife said, adding his mobile phone was switched off.

The family lodged a report at the Eidgah Police station.

City police chief Niaz Siddiqui said that police had been informed about the disappearance of Mr Sarbazi. “We are trying to find him,” he added.

Chief of the Citizen-Police Liaison Committee Sharfuddin Memon said that he had been informed about it and the CPLC was making efforts to locate him.

Sarbazi was active both at the Karachi Press Club and Karchi Union of Journalists.

Meanwhile, Karachi Press Club President Ghazi Salahuddin, Secretary Najeeb Ahmed, members of the governing body and office-bearers of the Karachi Union
of Journalists have expressed concern over the mysterious disappearance of Mr Sarbazi and called upon the authorities concerned to ensure his safe and early
recovery.

I request the CPJ office to immediately contact Pakistan coup leader, army general Pervez Musharraf who is staying at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

I also urge you to please convey your concern to President Bush, who Musharraf will be meeting on September 22 about the state of human rights in the occupied territories of Balochistan. A full-scale army operation is underway in the province and Sarbazi's sympathy for his people was not a secret.

You might be knowing the Miltary Intelligence in Pakistan is calling the shots in Balochistan as Pakistan army is ruthlessly quelling the Baloch resistance.

Sincerely,
Ahmar Khan

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Bush Should Press Pakistani General Musharraf to End Military Rule

Tuesday, September 19 2006 @ 11:37 PM EDT

Human Rights Watch 2006 News and Releases Compiled by Kandy Ringer

U.S. Should Not Turn Blind Eye on Torture, Discrimination Against Women in Thailand HRW via BBSNews - New York, September 20, 2006 -- When U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Pakistan’s General Pervez Musharraf on September 22, he should press the Pakistani military ruler to restore civilian rule, hold free and fair elections, and end legal discrimination against women, Human Rights Watch said today. Map of Pakistan, 2004. Photo Credit: The University of Texas at Austin.   The map shown above in it's full size is available in BBSNews Maps. Human Rights Watch urged President Bush to stop turning a blind eye to Musharraf’s use of torture and "disappearances" in the fight against terrorism and in Pakistan’s political conflicts. The two leaders are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. "If Bush is serious about fostering democracy in the Muslim world, how can he support Musharraf’s refusal to end military rule in Pakistan?" said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "President Bush should make it clear that the U.S won’t stand by as it did in the past when Musharraf subverted the Pakistani constitution and staged flawed elections." The Pakistani constitution prohibits the chief of the army from holding a political office. Musharraf in 2003 promised to step down as either army chief or president, but reneged the following year. Recent statements by Musharraf and military-backed politicians have made clear that he intends to stay on as army chief and president beyond the date set for elections in 2007. They have also suggested that he could be somehow re-elected president by the outgoing parliament, which may try to extend its term unilaterally by one year to do so in 2008. Despite many commitments, President Musharraf has thus far failed to end legal discrimination against women. The infamous Hudood Ordinances, among other things, criminalize adultery and non-marital sex in Pakistan. Under this set of laws, thousands of women have been imprisoned for so-called "honor" crimes, including rape and sexual assault against them. The laws have rendered most victims of sexual assault unable to seek redress through the criminal justice system; it deems these women guilty of illegal sex rather than victims of unlawful sexual abuse or violence. Earlier this month, the Musharraf-backed ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League, reached an agreement with the moderate opposition Pakistan Peoples Party to make procedural changes to the Hudood Ordinances that would allow women charged with adultery to post bail. These reforms would also permit rape victims to file charges under the criminal law instead of religious law, which requires producing four male witnesses to prove rape. But last week Musharraf backtracked on the accord to seek an agreement with the Islamist Muttaheda Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) alliance, which opposes any meaningful changes. As a result, the Hudood Ordinances remain in place. "If Musharraf wanted to end legal discrimination against women, he could do so by seeking support from the majority of the National Assembly members who favor legal reforms," said Adams. "Instead, he sought an alliance with the Islamist political parties that have made clear their opposition to women’s rights." In response to domestic and international criticism, the government announced on Tuesday that it would submit the bill in its original form to the National Assembly in late September or early October. "Promises about reform of the Hudood Ordinances have been made and broken many times already," said Adams. "This is the last chance for the government to show its sincerity." Human Rights Watch noted that the Pakistani military is the country’s leading violator of human rights. Under Musharraf, military impunity for abuses has increased dramatically. These abuses include extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and the persecution of political opponents. Pakistan’s military and its intelligence agencies have tortured and forcibly disappeared dozens of people in the volatile southwestern province of Balochistan where they have been facing an armed rebellion by tribal militants operating under the umbrella of the Balochistan Liberation Army. "Perpetrators of torture must be removed from Pakistan's security forces and prosecuted," said Adams. "During their meeting in New York, President Bush should tell Musharraf just that the Pakistani military’s rampant abuses must end." Human Rights Watch has also investigated a pattern of "disappearances," arbitrary detention and torture in counterterrorism operations in Karachi, Lahore and other major cities and towns in Pakistan. Some of these cases have involved U.S. law enforcement or intelligence agents. Just as the United States has done with "high value" suspects, Pakistan has continued to "disappear" suspects in the campaign again terrorism and other conflicts. Human Rights Watch urged both Pakistan and the United States to take concrete measures to end the practice of using enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture as part of counterterrorism efforts. "The counterterrorism partnership between the U.S. and Pakistan should start to follow the rule of law rather than the law of the jungle," said Adams. http://bbsnews.net/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Khan of Kalat calls for grand Jirga of Baloch Sardars Islamabad, Sept 21: The former ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Kalat, which formed part of Balochistan, is convening a meeting of tribal elders today to discuss the situation arising out of the killing of rebel leader Nawab Akbar Bugti in a Pakistani military operation. Kalat Sardar Suleman Daud, who strongly criticised Bugti`s killing, called for the `Jirga` in Kalat to discuss the situation in Balochistan. Several Baloch sardars or tribal leaders and important personalities from Sindh and Punjab are likely to take part in the Jirga, `Daily Times` reported. The meeting was tipped to be one of the most important gatherings of Baloch tribal chiefs, the report said. The last such Jirga was convened in 1887 by then Khan of Kalat, Khan Khudaidad Khan. Baloch chieftains supporting Pakistan government have not been invited to the Jirga, the report said. Kalat was a former princely state located at the centre of the modern province of Balochistan. It was founded in 1638. On March 31, 1948, the state acceded to Pakistan which went on to form the Balochistan states union on October 3, 1952 with three neighbouring states. The state of Kalat ceased to exist from October 14, 1955 when the province of West Pakistan was formed. Bugti`s killing evoked strong nationalist sentiments in Balochistan, where the rebels have been agitating for more provincial autonomy. Baloch nationalist parties have held several protest rallies since the killing of Bugti in a military raid on August 26. Bureau Report http://www.zeenews.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan urged to end Baluch offensive Friday 22 September 2006 http://english.aljazeera.net/ Tribal chieftains in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province have called for an end to military operations in the gas-rich region where militants are fighting for more autonomy. The demand came at a meeting of tribal jirga (council) attended by heads of more than 80 Baluch tribes in the city of Qalat. A declaration, issued at the end of the day-long meeting, read: "The military operations are state-terrorism. These must be stopped." The jirga was convened in the wake of the killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, a veteran Baluch rebel leader, in a military offensive on August 26. Several people were killed in violent street protests and bomb blasts after Bugti's death, which analysts said would exacerbate trouble in Pakistan's biggest but least-developed and most sparsely populated province. The jirga called on international human rights groups to conduct an investigation into the killing. Insurgency Baluchis have been waging a low-key insurgency for decades in Baluchistan but tensions have increased since the death of 79-year-old Bugti. The Brussels-based International Crisis Group has warned that conflict in the province on the border with Afghanistan and Iran could intensify if the Pakistani government presses on with an offensive against rebels. Baluchis complain of a lack of political representation and say their province's resources are used to the benefit of Pakistan's other provinces, most notably Punjab, while Baluchistan is neglected. The province of mountains and deserts sits on Pakistan's biggest reserves of natural gas. Government officials say a handful of tribal chiefs are stirring up trouble, fearing their power base would be eroded by government plans to develop the region. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grand jirga in Kalat decides to move ICJ By Saleem Shahid http://www.dawn.com/ KALAT, Sept 21: A grand Baloch jirga, convened here on Thursday after about 126 years, announced in a declaration that a case would be filed in the International Court of Justice against what it termed violation of agreements signed by the State of Kalat, the Crown of Britain and the government of Pakistan pertaining to sovereignty and rights of the Baloch people. The Khan of Kalat, Mir Suleman Daud Ahmedzai, presided over the jirga held in the Shahi Hall. It was attended by 85 tribal chiefs and about 300 elders. The declaration expressed concern over the ‘colonial occupation’ of the Baloch land by Punjab in violation of the accord signed by the state of Kalat and the government of Pakistan in 1948. The declaration was read out by the chief of Jhalawan, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri. It described the ongoing military operation in Balochistan as state terrorism and called for an immediate end to the operation and release all arrested political workers. It rejected the Sui tribal jirga’s decision to abolish the Sardari system in the Bugti area and termed the action taken at the behest of the government an interference in tribal affairs and said that tribal matters should be resolved in accordance with customs and traditions. The declaration said that the jirga recognised the heirs of Nawab Akbar Bugti as legitimate owners of the property of the deceased, adding that it would resist allotment of the property to anyone other than the heirs. The jirga condemned the tragic incident of Aug 26 in which Nawab Bugti was killed and demanded an investigation into the cause of his death by the International Human Rights Commission to ascertain the factual position. The declaration rejected the mega development projects, including the Gwadar uplift programme, and said that the Baloch people would not accept the agreements signed by the government with international companies. The declaration demanded reunification of all divided Baloch lands into one entity. In his speech, the Khan of Kalat said that the presence of so many sardars in the Baloch national jirga belied the claim of President Pervez Musharraf that 72 tribal chiefs were supporting his policy. He asserted that all Baloch people would abide the decision of the jirga. Chief of Sarawan Nawab Aslam Raisani said that in accordance with the 1940 Resolution, all nationalities should get their rights, and except currency, foreign affairs, defence and communications all subjects should be transferred to provinces. He said that after capturing power, President Musharraf had assured to work for promoting harmony, but now the military rulers wanted to resolve issues at gun-point. He said that if Kashmiris fighting for their rights were called freedom fighters, the Baloch should not be dubbed terrorists. Sardar Sanaullah Zehri said that the Baloch people were unfortunate that despite having abundant resources, long coasts and a rich culture, they were being oppressed by outsiders who had occupied their land. The use of gun, he said, could suppress them for some time but they would again rise for their rights. Chief of BNP (Mengal) Sardar Akhtar Mengal said that the Khan of Kalat had gathered all the Baloch at a time when the attention of international and regional powers was focused on Balochistan. Sardar Mengal said that the Baloch people would live with honour, dignity and equal rights and with complete control over their resources. Otherwise, he warned, they would be free to take a decision to protect their sovereign status. Chief of Magsi tribe Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi said that had the grand jirga been convened when security forces attacked Nawab Bugti, and not after his death, the situation would have been different today. He said that some forces were trying to exploit the matter politically. He also said that no-one must forget that “we had taken oath as governors, chief ministers and ministers on the Constitution that we are now opposing”. He called for abiding by the decision of the jirga. Nawab Muhammad Khan Shahwani, Dr Hakim Lehri, chief of Balochistan National Congress, Sardar Asif Mengal, Sardarzada Jehanzeb, Mir Amanullah Zarakzai, Sardar Nadir Badini, Sardar Rahimdad Lango, BSO chairman Mohinuddin Baloch, Yousuf Masti Khan, Sardar Balkhsher Mazari, Amanullah Kanrani of the JWP, Mir Taj Muhammad Jamali, Sardar Aslam Bizenjo, Baloch Students Organisation chairman Bashirzeb Baloch and Sardar Sher Jamaldini also addressed the Jirga. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Baloch leaders for pre-1947 status Nirupama Subramanian 22-09-2006 Jirgato move ICJ on territorial integrity http://www.hindu.com/ ISLAMABAD: A grand jirga of 95 Baloch tribal chiefs and 300 other prominent Baloch leaders has said it will move the International Court of Justice against what it termed the violation of its "territorial integrity, exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources, denial of the Baloch right to the ownership of their resources and the military operation in the province." A declaration adopted by the jirga, reportedly the first in 126 years, protested the "colonial occupation' of Baloch land by Pakistan. It was held in Kalat, near the Baloch provincial capital Quetta. The Khan of Kalat, whose ancestor signed the accession of the former princely state of Kalat with Pakistan, presided over the jirga. Violation of agreement The accession was a package deal that incorporated three other neighbouring states into Balochistan. The jirga condemned Pakistan for repeated violations of the agreement which had promised complete autonomy to Balochistan. The declaration condemned the killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, and called for an immediate end to the military operation, which it described as state terrorism. It also demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners. The jirga rejected the decision by a Bugti clan — rival to the late Nawab and propped up by the Government — to abolish the Sardari system, describing it as interference by the Government in tribal affairs. The declaration also rejected all the "mega projects" started by the Government in Balochistan, such as the Gwadar port, and said the Baloch would not accept agreements signed between the Government and international companies. It demanded a reunification of all Baloch areas, now distributed between Punjab and Sindh. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balochistan grand jirga calls for restoration of pre-partition status of the province Friday September 22, 2006 (0326 PST) http://www.paktribune.com/ KALAT: The ever grand jirga in the history of Balochistan has been held under Khan of Kalat after 130 years calling upon people of Balochistan to unite on one platform to seek restoration of pre-partition status of Balochistan besides condemning the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti. The jirga was held in Shahi Jirga Hall here Thursday. Over 95 tribal chiefs from Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh, tribal elders and Nawabs besides people in large number attended the jirga. Nawab of Kalat Mir Suleman Khan presided over jirga. Chief of Chalawan, Sardar Sana Ullah Zehri, Chief of Sarwan, Nawab Aslam Raeesani, Mir Balakh Sher Mazari, Sardar Yar Muhammad Jamali, Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, former chief minister Sardar Taj Muhammad Jamali, Sardar Aziz Ahmad Lehri and others participated in the jirga. The speakers while addressing the jirga said there is no room left for Baloch nation to live in Pakistan now. Balochistan was an independent state and it was not part of united India. It was forcibly annexed to Pakistan and Baloch nation was divided in three provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan under a conspiracy. The border line of the province be abolished. They underlined that the need is there that all the political parties and people of Balochistan are united under one flag to achieve this objective. The speakers alleged the blood carnage is raging in Balochistan. The rulers are meeting out step motherly treatment to the province. Our political parties should get untied on one platform and work out strategy to challenge Pakistan-Balochistan annexation accord in international court of justice. They demanded the people of Balochistan be give access to the resources of their province. An interview of Nawab Akbar Bugti recorded by a Balochi radio was also relayed at the conclusion of jirga. This saddened the environment. Bugti said in interview that his war is for protection of sovereignty of Baloch nation and their rights. We are not anti development. The development is that which is in accordance with the requirement of Baloch nation. On the other hand government dubs establishment of garrisons and air fields as development, he added. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan 'role in Mumbai attacks' BBC News Saturday, 30 September 2006 Seven blasts hit Mumbai's busy commuter network Pakistan's intelligence agency was behind the train blasts in Mumbai in July that killed 186 people, Indian police say. The attacks were planned by the ISI and carried out by the Islamist militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba, based in Pakistan, Mumbai's police chief said. AN Roy said the Students' Islamic Movement of India had also assisted. Pakistan rejected the allegations and said India had given no evidence of Pakistani involvement in the attacks. "We have solved the 11 July bombings case. The whole attack was planned by Pakistan's ISI and carried out by Lashkar-e-Toiba and their operatives in India," Mumbai (Bombay) police commissioner AN Roy told a news conference. 'Baseless' Mr Roy said 15 people had been arrested, and that some of the bombers had received training in Pakistan. Tariq Azim Khan, Pakistan's minister of state for information, rejected the allegations. The Mumbai police chief said the investigation was complete "We are still studying the Indian statement. Needless to say, this is once again baseless allegations - yet another attempt by India to malign Pakistan," he told the BBC. "Both the president and the prime minister condemned this terrorist attack on the train when it happened. But India also must look at home for reasons for this growing insurgency at home," he said. On 11 July 2006, seven co-ordinated blasts within 15 minutes ripped through trains on Mumbai's busy commuter network. Indian security officials suggested early on in their investigations that the bombings bore the hallmarks of Lashkar-e-Toiba, a leading militant group fighting in Kashmir and based in Pakistan. Pakistan denied any involvement in the blasts and Lashkar-e-Toiba condemned the attacks. India postponed talks with Pakistan after the bombs, but Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf met recently in Cuba and said they had agreed to resume talks. The two nations, both nuclear armed, have fought three wars since independence, two over the disputed territory of Kashmir. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thousands prisoned in Pakistan Army run detention camps in Balochistan Daily Times Dated 30/9/2006 According to a leading Pakistani newspaper, over 3,000 political prisoners, mainly activists and political opponents of General Musharraf, are being illegally detained in camps run by the Army and Intelligence Agencies in Balochistan. Daily Times quotes: Balochistan continues to remain the hub of illegal detentions and mysterious disappearances of political activists and family members of political leaders. According to unofficial estimates, around 3,000 political activists, relatives of political leaders and ordinary citizens of Balochistan are being detained by intelligence agencies. Relatives of those detained usually have no information on the whereabouts of their loved ones. The government has also not registered any cases against the detained suspects. Government sources said that scores of suspected terrorists, mainly Baloch supporters of the Balochistan Liberation Army, are in government custody due to their alleged involvement in militant activity in the province. Some of these suspects have been missing for years. "My uncle, Ali Asghar Bungulzai, 38, went missing on October 18, 2001," Nasruallah Baloch, the nephew of the missing tailor, told Daily Times. "Soon after his abduction, intelligence officials came to our house and admitted that Ali was in their custody," he said, adding that the family was told that Ali was being interrogated regarding some ‘sensitive issues' and would soon be released. "But now the same agency denies abducting Ali. They say he is no longer in their custody. We don't know where he is," he added. Hafeez Baloch's brother Hafiz Saeed Bungulzai went missing on July 4, 2003. Baloch said that an intelligence agency submitted before the Balochistan High Court (BHC) that his brother was being interrogated but they still did not know where he is. "They did not even allow my mother to meet Saeed despite BHC directives," Baloch said. "We were told that Saeed was in the custody of government agencies but he has not been sentenced by a court of law," he said. Human rights activists have expressed agreement with an Amnesty International