September 16, 2006	Saturday	Sha'aban 22, 1427

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QUETTA, Sept 15: Nationalist and democratic political parties have said that recognition of the right of provinces on their resources, full provincial autonomy, stoppage of military operation, exhumation of the body of Nawab Bugti and release of all political workers were prerequisites for restoration of normal life in Balochistan.

Speaking at a public meeting at the Azadi Chowk in Khuzdar on Thursday night under the aegis of the ARD, Ponam and ANP, leaders of these parties criticised President Musharraf and the Balochistan government and held them responsible for the killing of the JWP leader.

Dr Hayee Baloch of the Natinal Party, Sardar Akhtar Mengal of the BNP (Mengal), Nawabzada Lashari Khan Raisani of the PPP Parliamentarians, Aminullah Kakar of the ANP, Aziz Umrani of the PML (Nawaz) and Mohiuddin Baloch and Javed Baloch, chairmen of their own factions of Balochistan Student Organisation, addressed the meeting.

Dr Hayee claimed that his party had also decided to resign from the parliament but was waiting for decision of the grand opposition alliance, adding that collective resignation by combined opposition would have an impact.

He demanded drafting of a new constitution under which the provinces should get full autonomy.

He maintained that Nawab Akbar Bugti sacrificed his life for the political and constitutional rights of the Baloch people.

Sardar Akhtar Mengal lauded Nawab Bugti for fighting in mountains against and said that Mr Bugti preferred martyrdom to compromise on principles.

He alleged that the Muttahida Majli-i-Amal’s ministers in the Balochistan coalition government had okayed the federal government plan to launch military operation in Kohlu and Dera Bugti.

Nawabzada Lashkari Raisani said that military-led government was responsible for the political instability in the country as his unwise policies had put the federation at stake.

He claimed that Gen Musharraf could not resolve the political and constitutional crisis, and said that army should return to barracks and hand over powers to elected representatives.

Akram Shah said that oppressed nationalities —Pakhtun, Baloch, Sindhi and Seraiki —had joined hands with the platform of Ponam for their rights.

Aminullah Kakar said that only the restoration of true democratic order could take the nation out of the crisis.

Mr Umrani said that all opposition members should resign and launch decisive movement against the dictatorship for revival of rule of constitution in the country.