TAXILA, Aug 8: Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal central leader and Jamaat-i-Islami Naib Ameer Liaquat Baloch has asked the government to stop the military operations in Wana and Balochistan and withdraw the cases filed against nationalist leaders.

Speaking at a press conference after holding a meeting with party workers at Wah Cantonment, the MNA called for sending troops back to barracks. He warned that the Wana operation would trigger anger and hatred among tribesmen against army.

MMA MPA from Wah Cantonment Prof Mohammad Waqas Khan, MMA deputy secretary-general Punjab Nazeer Janjua, JI district Ameer Abass Butt and district general-secretary Abdul Waheed were also present on the occasion.

Mr Baloch said army should wage war against its own countrymen, and asked the government to resolve all contentious issues only through dialogue and negotiations to address all the issues to keep federation intact.

He maintained that army action could pose a threat to the sovereignty of the country. Warning the government of 1971-like situation, he said the country was under dictatorial rule and the rulers were fuelling a conflict between the people, federation and federating units.

The MMA leader said the military operation would bear fatal consequences for the country and the people. He said there were no terrorists in Balochistan, but it was just the citizens of the province, who were demanding their constitutional rights.

He said the rulers were repeating the past mistakes which had divided country. He said decisions were being taken by only one man, as before launching military operation in Balochistan, neither the Parliament nor the National Security Council was taken into confidence.

He said Parliament was being by-passed in all issues of national importance and key decision were being made some where else. He said according to the 17th amendment, President Musharraf was liable to remove uniform before December 3. If he does not do so, the MMA will launch a public movement against the government to force him to remove his uniform, he warned.

He said in this modern age, nations could not be enslaved through the power of gun. He urged the government to hold talks with tribal elders at Wana and nationalists in Balochistan and stop use of force.

He appealed to the chief minister and governor of Balochistan to work with nationalist parties to diffuse the tension and find solution to all problems by developing understanding and trust among all stakeholders.

Answering a question, Mr Baloch said the MMA opposed the government's intention to send troops to Iraq. He said this act would be like joining hands with the US in the killing of innocent Iraqis. "If few Muslim rulers send their troops to safeguard US forces there, it does not mean that over 150 billion Muslim population backs their decision," he added.