ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: Speakers at a seminar here Monday opposed military operation in Balochistan and demanded recognition of the basic rights of the people, including autonomy for the province.

The speakers were of the view that due to Balochistan's geo-strategic location, different interest groups were trying to capture the province's resources. Those who spoke on the occasion were Senator Amanullah Kanrani of Jamhoori Watan Party, Senator Sanaullah Baloch of Balochistan National Party-Mengal, Mazhar Arif, Nasir Baloch and PRM's Aasim Sajjad.

The seminar was organized by the Balochistan Solidarity Front (BSF), a coalition of progressive political parties, including People's Rights Movement, Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party, and students and workers organizations and individuals.

The speakers said the state institutions had neglected and marginalized the people of the province for decades and the military operation would increase their sense of deprivation.

Senator Sanaullah Baloch cited the fiasco with the parliamentary committee on Balochistan and said its fate showed how the government was serious in addressing Baloch people's concerns. He said the government should stop playing games with the people and decide whether it was serious to save the federation.

He said the oppressed nations of the country were being force-fed the army's preferred definition of the "greater national interest" and this approach had destroyed the trust of the Pukhtun, Sindhi, Baloch, Siraiki and other oppressed nations in the government.

Senator Amanullah Kanrani said the government had exploited Sui's gas for decades and was now trying to completely take over the resources of the province against the wishes of the people.

Aasim Sajjad said the ordinary working Baloch was being denied the resources in the name of development (Gwadar port) and national security (military cantonments). The seminar through a resolution demanded withdrawal of troops from Sui and allowing the Baloch people to decide about their resources.