16 January 2005	Sunday	05 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD, Jan 15: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has cautioned the government against any rash action at a time when paramilitary forces have taken control of the gas fields at Sui and the head of the state has threatened the use of lethal weapons against the trouble-makers.

A statement issued by the HRCP here on Saturday said the commission had already pointed to the simmering feelings of deprivation and anger among common people in Balochistan, particularly against increased military presence in the province.

Whether these sentiments were based on reality or perceptions, the fact remained that these made for a dangerous mix of passion and a volatile situation on the ground, it added.

The statement said some recent official gestures, such as the attempts to open negotiations with Baloch leaders and reports of second thoughts on plans on new cantonments, indicated that the federal authorities were not unaware of the gravity of the situation.

There was, as such, a need to tread with care and avoid a still more dangerous course of events, it added. It said violence at the gas fields and the series of attacks that had caused a number of casualties could not be defended.