KARACHI, Nov 20: The National Party and the Jamhoori Watan Party have announced their support to the long march plan of Balochistan National Party (Mengal). BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal had announced a series of rallies and a long march from Gwadar to Quetta to condemn the ongoing military operation in Balochistan. The march

will begin on December 1 from Gwadar where the federal government is planning to construct a deep sea port and a link road to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

JWP and NP office-bearers in Karachi confirmed that they would not only join the march but would make it a success.

The National Party has a strong base in Mekran region and its support to the BNP-M is very significant, as it would help build pressure on the government. Mekran region has acquired significance for the federal government as well as the nationalists, who consider large projects such as highway and Gwadar port scheme another form of subjugation.

Political observers also see the long march as a challenge for the government. They say the establishment can either allow the marchers or arrest them in mass numbers. Either way, it will benefit the party.

A BNP-M spokesman said the party had planned a public rally on Nov 30 in Gwadar. It will be addressed by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, who will lead the long march next day. On its way to Turbat, leaders will also address people in small towns and villages and a big rally will be held in Turbat on December 2.