QUETTA: Fifteen people reported to be militants belonging to the Bugti tribe and their 70 accomplices surrendered themselves to law-enforcement personnel in Sui on Sunday.

Khan Wasey, spokesman for the Frontier Corps, Balochistan, said in a statement that the men belonged to various Bugti clans living in Sui area of Dera Bugti.

They had been involved in attacks on security forces and national installations in Dera Bugti and other areas of the province.

They laid down their weapons in the presence of FC Inspector General Maj Gen Muhammad Ejaz Shahid at a ceremony attended by tribal elders and senior officials.

The weapons, ammunition and explosives surrendered by them included 89 rifles and landmines. The militants vowed to renounce violence. They also pledged not to get involved in anti-state activities. They welcomed the general amnesty announced by the provincial government, along with a special package for militants surrendering to the state and pledging not to take part in anti-state activities.

Published in Dawn, September 29th , 2014