Baloch nationalists discuss strategy

Published November 1, 2004

QUETTA, Oct 31: An alliance of four Baloch parties discussed its strategy on Sunday to oppose establishment of cantonments in the province and projects it deems anti-Baloch.

Senator Amanullah Kanrani, provincial president of the JWP, told Dawn that the meeting discussed various aspects of the projects launched by the federal government in the province, including Gwadar port.

The meeting also took note of exploitation of provincial resources by the federal government without the consent of the local people.

He said National Party chief Dr Hayee Baloch presided over the meeting held in his (Mr Kanrani's) chamber and attended by Habib Baloch, Rauf Mengal MNA and Sajid Tareen of BNP-Mengal, Kachkol Baloch, Dr Malik Baloch and Dr Yasin Baloch (NP) and Senator Amanullah (JWP).

Mr Kanrani said that all important issues, including presence of federal forces in Balochistan, army operation in various parts of the province, mega projects, establishment of cantonments, exploitation of resources and illegal detention of political workers came under discussion.

Mr Kanrani said all the representatives expressed similar views on the development projects and termed them anti-Baloch.

To finalize their strategy, the participants would again meet on Monday to chalk out a final programme of action against the government's unilateral decisions and ignoring wishes of the local people.