QUETTA, Dec 19: The chief of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP), Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, has said that Dera Bugti has been sealed off by paramilitary forces equipped with heavy weapons and another operation in the area may be launched any time.
“All roads leading to Dera Bugti have been blocked and government building close to the roads have been taken over by Frontier Corps personnel,” he said while talking to Dawn on telephone from his native town Dera Bugti on Monday.
He said that the troops of Frontier Corps had also been deployed at the government college building and the place used as cemetery by the Hindu community. “Dera Bugti is under siege” he said, adding that the rulers wanted to carry out the operation in phases, instead of in one go.
Replying to a question, the veteran nationalist leader said that over 15,000 troops, including regular army, had been deployed in Dera Bugti and Sui areas while movement of more troops in Sibi and other areas close to Dera Bugti district had also been reported.
He said that the FC had re-established its bunkers and trenches which had been vacated by the FC and Bugti tribesmen in April this year to open the Dera Bugti-Sui Road. “They are in full preparation for launching an operation in Dera Bugti any time,” Nawab Bugti said.
He said reports from Kohlu district suggested heavy fighting in different areas where helicopter gunships were being used, resulting in heavy loss of lives.
