QUETTA, Aug 2: Security forces have nearly quelled a revolt led by a tribal chieftain in Balochistan, Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani said on Wednesday.

Talking to journalists, he said 84 tribal militants had been killed with 45 members of security forces since a military operation was launched last December to put down the uprising led by Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

Some 62 civilians, including women and children, have also been killed in the conflict so far, Mr Ghani said, adding that 96 others had been wounded.

“Over 98 per cent of Bugti tribesmen have surrendered and joined hands with the government, while the rest are also in contact with officials to abandon Nawab Bugti,” he said.

“The security forces have destroyed all militant camps in the Dera Bugti area, but around half a dozen camps and hideouts still exist,” the governor said.—Reuters

Our Staff Correspondent adds: Meanwhile, a militant commander, Wadera Jumma Khan Marri, surrendered with his 38 accomplices in Kat Mondai area of the Kohlu District.

Official sources said that Marri tribesmen handed over their weapons to the authorities concerned.

Wadera Marri assured the officials that he and his group would not take part in subversion activities and would support the development programme the government had launched in the province.