January 7, 2006

New Delhi

World Sindhi Institute Condemns

Pak Operations in Balochistan

Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington, Jan 7 (PTI) Condemning the Pakistani military operation against nationalist rebels in Balochistan province, the US-based World Sindhi Institute (WSI) has sought an independent human rights investigation into it.

"The World Sindhi Institute condemns the ongoing military operation in Balochistan and calls for an independent human rights investigation," it said in a statement.

Since December 18, "the Pakistan security forces have been carrying out attacks in the Kohlu and Dera Bugti districts of Balochistan using helicopter gunships and fighter jets," it said while claiming that over 100 people, including innocent women and choldren, have been killed as a result.

"At first denying the attacks, then calling them just a law and order operation, the army's brutal tactics are unlikely to resolve any conflict or grievances between the Baloch people and the central government," the WSI statement said.

It said that the Institute "cannot keep silent in the face of these attacks against innocent people" and called for a series of rallies to protest against these "anti-democratic" actions which will take place on successive Mondays starting from February 6.

The demonstrators consisting of Sindhis, Baloch and Pakhtuns will gather in front of Pakistani missions in a number of cities starting with Washington DC. This will be followed by planned rallies in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. PTI

Sindhis of Sindh, in southeastern Pakistan.