KARACHI, Jan 24: The Baloch Rabita-Ittefaq Tehrik (BRIT) has emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement of what it called the multi-dimensional crisis in Dera Bugti.

Describing the situation in the Sui area as serious with the potential of having a far-reaching impact on future political developments in Balochistan, BRIT chief Prince Mohyuddin Baloch told a press conference here on Friday that “the real issue is neither a tribal conflict, nor is it merely an issue of gas royalty.”

The prince, who was minister of communication in the Junejo government, said we must look at the issue in a broader perspective and in the background of socio-economic conditions in the province.

Maintaining that Balochistan had remained backward and neglected, he said even the so-called democratic governments could not solve the multifarious socio-economic problems of Balochistan, which had caused despondency among the people.

The BRIT chief said there had been no development works in the province over the past three decades as a result of which there was rampant unemployment.

Particularly the tribal people had been facing severe economic hardship.

He was of the view that the growing unrest in the tribal area of Dera Bugti was a reflection of economic deprivation that the people had been experiencing over so many long years.

He admitted that the present government had given due representation to the people of Balochistan both at the federal and provincial level. The people had pinned high hopes on the Jamali and Jam governments. They expected that the present government would solve their long-standing problems.

The prince said because of the geo-political situation Balochistan had acquired a special significance.

The Baloch leader was of the view that the situation demanded that the government took Balochistan leaders into confidence to resolve the issue in Dera Bugti area.

Also present at the press conference were Balochistan BRIT chief Yahya Jan Baloch and Rauf Baloch.