January 21, 2006

World Sindhi Institute

Daily Times

Sindhi Group Protests over Balochistan

WASHINGTON: The World Sindhi Institute, a US-based Sindhi nationalist group, has expressed its grave concern over the military operation going on in Balochistan for the past month.

In a letter to President George Bush, the Institute charges that starting December 17, the military has mounted an “all-out assault in district Kohlu and Dera Bugti.” While at first, the action was denied, it was later called a “law and order” operation to root out criminals. Security forces have used troops, helicopter gunships and jet fighters in their attacks, which have caused many civilian casualties, said the letter.

The letter said, “Following a recent visit to the area by the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the mission ‘expressed serious alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in and around Dera Bugti and reiterated its demand that all armed conflict cease immediately and a process of negotiation begun.’ According to the Commission, the area has been effectively sealed off and most of the inhabitants have left. The mission itself came under attack when it was trying to cross the border into Balochistan. The Baloch have long opposed the central government’s treatment of its people and resources.”

The Sindhi group, which is known for staging protest demonstrations on one issue or another whenever an important Pakistani official comes to America, said that Balochistan provides the majority of the country’s gas resources, yet it receives only 12.4% of the profits. The literacy rate is an appalling 25 percent for men and 5 percent for women. “What development does take place mainly benefits non-Baloch. Resorting to force to subdue the protests of its citizens for their rights has not worked in the past and is not likely to work now. What is needed is a dialogue with the Baloch people and a sincere effort to resolve their grievances. Without this, there will not be an end to the bloodshed,” the letter suggested. khalid hasan

Sindhis of Sindh, in southeastern Pakistan.