QUETTA, Sept 29: National Party chief Senator Dr Malik Baloch criticised the government on Monday for escalating military operation in Dera Bugti.

Senator Baloch said in a statement that scores of innocent people had been killed and injured in the operation. He said there was no change in the establishment’s policy towards the Baloch people, despite the change of government at the centre and in the province.

Mr Baloch said that offers of apology, assurances about stopping the military operation and promises to let the province control its resources were hollow slogans to deceive the Baloch people.

He urged the government to stop the operation in Dera Bhuti, Sui and Kahlu and withdraw troops from these areas.