LAHORE, Feb 27: Jamhoori Watan Party chief Nawab Akbar Bugti says the Balochs struggling for their rights are being subjected to 'state terrorism.' "The Baloch nationalists, especially the youth, are not terrorists.

They are like Palestinian boys who are being killed for throwing stones at the Israeli tanks. They just want to be the masters of their own fate," Mr Bugti told journalists by telephone at the Ichhra residence of Qazi Abdul Qadeer Khamosh on Sunday.

Alliance for Restoration of Democracy's Lahore leaders Saifullah Saif, Abdul Qadir Shaheen, Haji Abdul Mannan besides JWP deputy secretary general Rauf Khan Sasoli were also present on the occasion.

"We are ready to resolve all the issues concerning Balochistan through dialogue but the government is not sincere. It is just making false promises and not taking any practical measures to solve our problems."

"Majority of the Balochs were in favour of a dialogue but arrests of political activists started. This sparked protests and aggravated the situation." "We had submitted all our reservations about the ongoing 'development projects' in the province, especially in Gwadar, to the parliamentary committee but have yet to get a response."

"We want development in our province according to our needs and requirements. We need potable water supply schemes and they want to construct help ads here," the veteran politician said.

He alleged that around a division of army was besieging the Dera Bugti and Sui areas. "The troops with heavy ordnance seem ready for military operation and the residents have taken defensive positions."

"Gen Musharraf himself has declared Captain Hammad innocent in the Sui gang-rape case. Who will dare to punish him? Is it the rule and respect of law?," he said. Mr Bugti thanked people of the Punjab for expressing solidarity with the Balochs.

"We are not against common people in the Punjab. I have unforgettable memories of the days I spent in Lahore as a student. It is only a handful of political people who are opposed to us."