QUETTA, Feb 21: Jamhoori Watan Party provincial Information Secretary Sohail Ahmed Rajput has said that Nawab Akbar Bugti and JWP workers were playing the role of vanguard in the struggle for the rights of the people of Balochistan.

Talking to newsmen here on Monday, he condemned the government for levelling false allegations against Nawab Bugti. He said Nawab Bugti had asked President Gen Pervez Musharraf to prove the allegations within 10 days before an independent and impartial commission.

The JWP leader said the party was continuing its struggle for provincial autonomy without any fear. "As against this, the rulers were making false claims of patriotism," he added.

The rulers, he said, were using military force against the people of Balochistan to prolong their undemocratic rule and exploit the people. Efforts were being made to conquer the people by their own military. But when there was any challenge from across the borders, the rulers engaged in talks, Mr Rajput said.

Balochistan had been a cradle of peace for centuries but was now confronted with an explosive situation, he said, adding that if the government made ever a minor mistake, the flames would engulf the entire country.

RELIEF WORK: The Frontier Corps Relief Cell was continuing relief activities in rain- and flood-hit areas of Balochistan, says PPI. Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf visited the medical camps set up in Awaran and Mashkay Kalat Scouts.