New Delhi
28 August 2006
New Delhi has cautioned Islamabad against using military force to
solve political problems and called for a peaceful dialogue to address the grievances
and aspirations of the people of Balochistan. It described Baloch leader Nawab Akbar
Khan Bugti's killing as a "tragic loss".
India's response comes amid statements by Balochistan nationalists warning Pakistan
against "underestimating the Baloch culture". They have issued a call to honour the
death of Bugti by "making all necessary preparation for the next battle" of what they call
Baloch War of Independence.
Echoung similar sentiments, a report by the United States-based Stratfor has suggested
that the "repercussions" of Bugti's killing could spark a political backlash against
Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf and "it could raise a firestorm at the
national level".
Making a distinction between Balochistan and Pakistan, the spokesman of the Ministry
of External Affairs said that the unfortunate killing of Bugti was a "tragic loss to the
people of Balochistan and Pakistan." The spokesman observed, "This military attack in
which two of his grandsons were also killed and the heavy casualties in the continuing
military operations in Balochistan underline the need for peaceful dialogue to address
the grievances and aspirations of people of Balochistan. Military force can never solve
political problems. [Bugti] played a prominent role in Pakistani politics for over four
decades. His death leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill."
A former prime minister, Mr IK Gujral, in turn, told this newspaper, "I do hope even at this
late hour General Musharraf and his cohorts realise that suppression and violence never
helps .... I feel that it would have been wiser for [them to listen] to the views of the people
of the region and accommodate their desires and wishes for economic development."
Mr Gujral said Pakistani human rights activist Asma Jehangir, who met with him during
the day, shared his sentiments. "She shared with me her belief that the atrocious
behaviour of Pakistan military rulers would cause far more difficulties to country and
region than they could possibly have thought of," he said.
Recalling his association with the late Bugti, a senior journalist and former High
Commissioner of India to London, Mr Kuldip Nayar, said that Bugti's was a liberal
movement. He said Bugti was a nationalist, he was never for secession from Pakistan
but wanted autonomy within the State of Pakistan.
The general secretary of Government of Balochistan in Exile, Mir Azaad Khan Baloch,
said in a statement, "[Bugti] died in battle like a true Baloch warrior fighting for the
liberation of Balochistan. May the ultimate sacrifice of every Baloch martyr give courage
to the Baloch nation to avenge his or her death and liberate Balochistan."
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