The Post (Pakistan) : Security forces launch operation in Naushki

Security forces launch operation in Naushki

Azizullah Khan | October 26, 2007

QUETTA: Security forces have launched an operation in Naushki area of Balochistan province by using helicopters where at least 12 people were arrested and three militant camps were reportedly cleared.

Local people said on telephone that military activity started in mountain areas situated between Naushki and Kalat by using at least seven helicopters. These areas include Manjro, Thafoi, Khafoai, Neemragh and other villages. Naushki situated some 145 km south west of Quetta was the gateway to Iranian border.

Balochistan National Party Mengal group District President Khurshid Ahmad Jamaldini said that mostly farmers and poor people were arrested. Secondly, he said that people celebrating picnic were also picked up and were kept in FC camp Naushki.

He said that these were reports that forces attacked some areas but it was not confirmed. Frontier Corp Deputy Inspector General Brigadier Furqan told this scribe that military operation was started on the request of local people. Many suspects were trying to establish militant camps in the area besides and have made the life of local people miserable. He disclosed that three militant camps were cleared and 12 people were arrested. He said that if any of the arrested person was found innocent then he would be released where as wanted people would be handed over to the police.

Naushki remain tense since long where incidents of bomb blasts, attacks on railway track and shops of many people were reportedly occasionally. Naushki was the fifth destination of security forces in a series of military operation started in Balochistan since December 2005. Kohlu and Dera Bugti were the first areas where veteran politician Nawab Akbar Bugti was killed in August 2006. Later military action was started at limited circles in Jhalawan areas. Makran division was the third destination where forces focused Dasht areas. Later it was also highlighted that prominent activists of Baloch Liberation Front were either arrested or killed. Limited military action was started in Kharan and Awaran areas and now Naushki operation was started to arrest suspected activists opposing government policies.