ISLAMABAD, July 28: The Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader and MNA, Abdul Rauf Mengal, on Wednesday strongly condemned the army operation in Turbat, Gawadar and Kohlu.

"We are against terrorism but we will not allow the government to use the excuse for targeting poor and innocent people," Mr Mengal said in a statement. It is unfortunate to carry out bombing and harass the people of Turbat through a house-to-house search operation," he added.

He said this was the fourth time that an army operation was being conducted in Balochistan. "This is a well-thought-out plan aimed at establishing army cantonments in the province," he said.

"We strongly condemn this inhuman, undemocratic and illegal army operation and appeal to the international human rights organizations, the international media and court to immediately take notice of this state terrorism."

He said the statement of the interior minister alleging that terrorist activities, supported by the Baloch nationalists were going on in these areas, was nothing but a pack of lies.

"I want to make it clear for the interior minister that the operation with the help of helicopters and army is without any solid basis. The provincial assembly exists in Balochistan and so does the district governments.

The National Assembly and the Senate are also functional. The government is carrying out an illegal operation while bypassing all these democratic institutions," Mr Mengal said.