IT is unfortunate to mention that the people of Dera Bugti are once again being forced to accept the institution of sardar. They have taken years to get rid of the dominion of sardars. Sardars have always tried to keep the people backward to maintain their hegemony over them.

During Akbar Bugti’s tenure, not a single FIR was registered in the Dera Bugti police station. There was an open ban on lodging FIR in police stations. Now the roots of tribalism are weakening day by day owing to gradual sense of awareness among the masses.

Instead of tribal jirgas, the people are seeking police help to get justice by registering FIRs even against mighty tribal elders.

Luckily, the youth of Dera Bugti has got some local role models in the shape of Bugti CSP officers, doctors, engineers and army officers.

I request the civilian government and the military on behalf of poor Bugtis to check the designs of the tribal chieftains. We are absolutely tired of the illegitimate authority of sardars. This is the 21st century and there should be the rule of law not the rule of oligarchy.

Waheed Bugti

Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2015

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