HYDERABAD, Aug 5: Nationalist leaders of Sindh in a series of press conferences and statements have criticized the ongoing military operation in Balochistan. They said the aggressive policy adopted by the government would have disastrous consequences. They urged the government to resolve all contentious issues through negotiations.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the general secretary of the Sindh National Front, Gul Mohammad Jakhrani, condemned the registration of case against Akhtar Mengal, Javed Mengal, Habib Jalib and others.

He said the operation against nationalists in Balochistan would have serious consequences for the country. Mr Jakhrani said the rulers were repeating the past mistakes which had divided the country into two parts.

He said in this modern age nations could not be enslaved through the power of gun. He urged the rulers to hold talks with nationalists and stop the use of force. The SNF leader said if the excesses were not stopped, the people of Sindh would fully support the nationalist forces in Balochistan.

Mr Jakhrani strongly opposed the setting up of cantonments in Balochistan.He said settlement of tens of thousands of aliens in Gwadar was a conspiracy to convert Baloch nation into a minority.

STPP: The chairman of the Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party, Dr Qadir Magsi, in a statement condemned the registration of a murder case against Akhtar Mengal, Javed Mengal, Habib Jalib and others.

He accused the rulers of creating unrest in Balochistan by launching the army operation. Dr Magsi, who is also the provincial president of Ponam, urged the rulers to hold a dialogue with Baloch leaders with a view to find a political solution to the existing problems.

JSM: The chairman of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz, Syed Zain Shah, while speaking at a news conference at the Hyderabad press club on Thursday said the people of Sindh, Balochistan and Pakhtunkhwa for the last half a century were being treated as conquered nations.

Condemning the army operation and registration of case against Ponam leaders, he demanded that the operation against nationalist forces in Balochistan be immediately stopped.

JSMM: The central body of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz at a meeting held in Sann on Wednesday supported the struggle of people of Balochistan for their rights.

Shafi Burfat presided over the meeting. The meeting alleged Punjab was trying to enslave the people of Sindh and Balochistan with a view to taking over their resources.