KARACHI, Dec 23: National Party leader Abdul Hayee Baloch has called for holding an all-parties conference exclusively on Balochistan issue, saying that a highly explosive situation prevailed in that province since the launching of military operation.

Thousands of people have been forced to quit their ancestral lands while the armed forces of their own country were continuing with the inhuman operation in Dera Bugti and Kohlu, he said while talking to newsmen here.

Stressing the urgency of discussing the issue at an all-parties forum, he noted that the rulers in Islamabad were complicating the matters, and alleged that their aim was to perpetuate their dictatorial rule.

He regretted that instead of reverting to the course of dialogue after the misadventure leading to the tragic killing of

Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, the rulers were bent upon crushing the Baloch people’s movement for due rights with an iron hand by resorting to suppressing their peaceful protests.

The recent brutal actions proved that the government had not changed its policy vis-à-vis Balochistan, therefore, it was now the duty of all democratic, liberal and religious parties to play their active role in forcing the rulers to return to dialogue to find a negotiated settlement of the Balochistan issue.

He appealed to all political and religious forces to join hands with Baloch people collectively at this crucial hour.

Dr Hayee was of the view that there country could not have true democracy until military rulers were in power. The Balochistan issue is basically a political issue as people of that province are demanding their democratic and economic rights, as such, the issue can be resolved only through political means.

He deplored that the rulers had waged a full-fledged war against the Baloch civilians and they were indulged in kidnappings and enforced disappearances. However, he vowed, the Baloch people would never compromise on their constitutional, national, political and economic rights.

Demanding withdrawal of troops from Balochistan, he urged all political and religious parties to force the government release all political prisoners and recognise the Baloch people’s right to self-rule on their province.