ISLAMABAD, Sept 1: Politicians, human rights activists and representatives of civil society organisations at a seminar on Friday alleged that Nawab Akbar Bugti was killed under a planned conspiracy aimed to silence political dissent, and feared that a 1971-like situation would ensue.

The seminar “The killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti and the unrest in Balochistan” had been organised by ActionAid.

They claimed that the army wanted to have control over natural resources in Balochistan. Late Bugti raised voice against it and demanded rights for Balochs so he was removed.

He remained governor and chief minister of the province, federal minister and was considered an important figure in Pakistani politics but was branded as anti-state element when he opposed a general for not giving due share to the most backward province, the speakers said.

According to them, Gen Pervez Musharraf has committed a crime, therefore, he must be tried in the International Court of Justice and International War Crimes Tribunal.

They feared that this gross mistake would trigger secessionist movements in Balochistan and the country as a whole.

Dr Abdul Haye Baloch of National Party said for the last 59 years, all the citizens had been reduced to slavery by the army- dominated establishment. They are not given their rights and the army has a grip over all resources. Those - whether politicians or general public - who raise voice against it are forced to toe the government line or else are eliminated like Mr Bugti, he added.

The Baloch politician said the army had crossed all limits. Where is freedom, he asked. In his views, the prevailing situation in the country is worse than the 71’ crisis when half of Pakistan was lost.

He praised Mr Bugti for his bold step and courage. “He (Bugti) was a great leader. Not only for the Balochs but the whole country, he has become a hero who sacrificed his life for the rights of his province.”

Instead of establishing educational institutions, promoting science and technology and launching development projects, Musharraf government has been setting up cantonments just to have control over the provinces. He demanded that the arrested people be released and the army operation in Balochistan and Waziristan be stopped forthwith.

Bushra Gauhar of Awami National Party said Mr Bugti was killed because he raised voice for the rights of his province. Instead of holding talks with him, the army threw missiles on him and used force to solve political problems, she regretted.

She said it was very easy for the army to label anyone as traitor or anti-Pakistan if he did not toe the government line.

She said the ANP would fully support the nationalist parties and the provincial rights for which Mr Bugti sacrificed his life.

The ANP leader demanded an open trial of Gen Musharraf and said it was time that all parties unite against him and force him to quit.

ActionAid country director talked about the geo-strategic importance and natural resources in Balochistan, saying that people of the province had been kept deprived of their benefits.