| In the memory of Great Shaeed-e-Watan Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti: We, here at Baloch Society of North America, pay our highest tributes to our greate leader, Shaeed-e-Watan, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti |
By Mohd. Sadiq
2 September 2006
One of the most distinctive and respected politician of Pakistan and former chief minister of Balochistan, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, was mercilessly killed by the
Pakistani army on 26 August 2006. Bugti was killed during a massive military operation in the Bhambore Hills, an area between the cities of Kohlu and Dera Bugti, in
Balochistan province. The veteran Baloch leader had gone into hiding earlier this year after Pakistani forces launched a crackdown on Baloch rebels after rockets
were fired in December 2005 during the Balochistan visit of President General Pervez Musharraf. Bugti's killing is a clear indication that General Musharraf has no
tolerance for dissent, even if it is based on genuine grievances. However, the targeted killing of Bugti's killing has, in fact, bolstered the ongoing insurgency in the
province which could ultimately threaten Pakistan's territorial integrity.
Targeting The Rebel
Pakistani forces had established the whereabouts of Nawab Akbar Bugti, chieftain of the Bugti tribe, by monitoring satellite phone intercepts of the rebel leader.
British-educated Bugti, who was in his 80s, was hiding in a cave complex when the army assault took place. General Musharraf reportedly gave the go-ahead for the
final operation even though Bugti was in communication with the government till the last moment. As many as 21 army commandos and 37 rebels were also killed in
the same operation, which targeted 50 to 80 of Nawab Bugti's closest family members and top commanders. Key members of Bugti's family were reportedly killed in
the operation. Bugti's killing evoked criticism from ordinary people in Pakistan as well as in the subcontinent. The political leadership in Pakistan also condemned
the killing and criticised the army for using brute force rather than resolving the issue through negotiations. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that
Bugti's killing would be always be remembered as a black day in the history of Pakistan as his death was a national tragedy which would prove harmful for the
integrity of Pakistan. President of Baloch National Party (BNP) Sardar Akhtar Mengal said that this incident would have long-term negative implications as it would
consolidate the Baloch movement by bringing together different factions. Mengal also warned that the rebels would seek revenge for the murder of their leader. PPP
President Makhdoom Amin Fahim said Bugti's death would lead to massive destruction in Pakistan that could have lethal consequences for the polity. MMA leader
Hafiz Hussain Ahmad said that Bugti's death could adversely affect the sovereignty of Pakistan. In an interview to Geo Television, he said that the dispute with Bugti
should have been resolved politically. He also claimed that though the government had made agreements with Akbar Bugti, it resorted to a military operation to
establish its writ in Balochistan.
International Silence
Media reports indicated that General Musharraf, on hearing about Bugti's killing, commended the security forces for successfully eliminating the veteran rebel leader.
Musharraf reportedly termed Bugti's killing as a 'great victory' for Pakistani army. Observers have said that Bugti's killing was the second high profile political
assassination by the Pakistani army, which had earlier executed former Pakistani prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Bugti's killing clearly exposed Musharraf's deep
dislike and intolerance towards any form of dissent. Musharraf had earlier forced former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, as well as several other
leaders, to leave Pakistan in order to safeguard his political interests and continue as the unchallenged political and military head of Pakistan. Bugti's killing once
again established that democracy has never been institutionalised in Pakistan, which has remained under the Army's watch since independence. Pakistani army's
stranglehold on the country's politics was reaffirmed on 29 August 2006 when the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was defeated in the
parliament. Despite the fact that there was open resentment even within the ruling party over Bugti's killing, Musharraf ensured that his prime minister did not have to
face an embarrassing defeat in the parliament.
For several years, Bugti had been fighting for the rights of the Baloch people, who have suffered due to exploitation of their province's resources by the Pakistani
military establishment. Despite the fact that Bugti had always kept the door open for negotiations, General Musharraf never encouraged a serious dialogue with the
rebel leader. In fact, Musharraf went on to say that "this is not the 1970s when you can hit and hide. You will not even know what hit you this time." Musharraf proved
his point as the veteran Baloch leader was finally killed by a laser-guided bunker-buster missile, which did not give Bugti any chance of escaping. Some media
reports also claimed that the weapons used in the operation against Bugti were in fact supplied by the US to Pakistan for boosting its anti-terrorism operations
against Taliban and Al Qaida militants hiding in the Waziristan tribal agency. Bugti's killing clearly exposes the brutal face of the Pakistani army. However, the
international community, including the US, did not condemn the incident. Even the international media did not pay much attention to Bugti's killing; the 27 August
2006 edition of US daily The New York Times carried only a 91-word news item on the incident.
Pakistan has repeatedly hurled accusations about human rights violations against neighbouring India. At all international and regional forums, Pakistan has
accused the Indian security forces of committing human rights abuses in Kashmir. On several occasions, several international organisations have given statements
that were clearly influenced by Pakistani allegations. However, what is not recognised is the fact that Indian forces have never resorted to aerial bombing or massive
military operations against militants operating in Kashmir and other parts of the country. Compared to the Indian position, the Pakistani army has not hesitated to
use brute military force against its own people.
The assassination of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti establishes the fact that the Pakistani army continues to commit grave human rights violations against its own people
whether it is in Balochistan, Northern Areas or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Dialogue as a means of resolving genuine grievances has no place in the Army's
vocabulary. However, Bugti's killing has, in fact, served as a message to Baloch rebel factions that they have to unite in order to fight for their rights. It remains to be
seen whether General Musharraf adopts a democratic approach for redressing longstanding Baloch grievances. If he fails to do so, Pakistan could suffer another
dismemberment similar to the one that took place in 1971. Rather than establishing the writ of the government as claimed by Musharraf, Bugti's killing has, in fact,
opened up what could eventually end up as another bloody chapter in Pakistan's turbulent history.
SOURCE: http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/insights/insight20060902a.html
2 September 2006
One of the most distinctive and respected politician of Pakistan and former chief minister of Balochistan, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, was mercilessly killed by the
Pakistani army on 26 August 2006. Bugti was killed during a massive military operation in the Bhambore Hills, an area between the cities of Kohlu and Dera Bugti, in
Balochistan province. The veteran Baloch leader had gone into hiding earlier this year after Pakistani forces launched a crackdown on Baloch rebels after rockets
were fired in December 2005 during the Balochistan visit of President General Pervez Musharraf. Bugti's killing is a clear indication that General Musharraf has no
tolerance for dissent, even if it is based on genuine grievances. However, the targeted killing of Bugti's killing has, in fact, bolstered the ongoing insurgency in the
province which could ultimately threaten Pakistan's territorial integrity.
Targeting The Rebel
Pakistani forces had established the whereabouts of Nawab Akbar Bugti, chieftain of the Bugti tribe, by monitoring satellite phone intercepts of the rebel leader.
British-educated Bugti, who was in his 80s, was hiding in a cave complex when the army assault took place. General Musharraf reportedly gave the go-ahead for the
final operation even though Bugti was in communication with the government till the last moment. As many as 21 army commandos and 37 rebels were also killed in
the same operation, which targeted 50 to 80 of Nawab Bugti's closest family members and top commanders. Key members of Bugti's family were reportedly killed in
the operation. Bugti's killing evoked criticism from ordinary people in Pakistan as well as in the subcontinent. The political leadership in Pakistan also condemned
the killing and criticised the army for using brute force rather than resolving the issue through negotiations. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that
Bugti's killing would be always be remembered as a black day in the history of Pakistan as his death was a national tragedy which would prove harmful for the
integrity of Pakistan. President of Baloch National Party (BNP) Sardar Akhtar Mengal said that this incident would have long-term negative implications as it would
consolidate the Baloch movement by bringing together different factions. Mengal also warned that the rebels would seek revenge for the murder of their leader. PPP
President Makhdoom Amin Fahim said Bugti's death would lead to massive destruction in Pakistan that could have lethal consequences for the polity. MMA leader
Hafiz Hussain Ahmad said that Bugti's death could adversely affect the sovereignty of Pakistan. In an interview to Geo Television, he said that the dispute with Bugti
should have been resolved politically. He also claimed that though the government had made agreements with Akbar Bugti, it resorted to a military operation to
establish its writ in Balochistan.
International Silence
Media reports indicated that General Musharraf, on hearing about Bugti's killing, commended the security forces for successfully eliminating the veteran rebel leader.
Musharraf reportedly termed Bugti's killing as a 'great victory' for Pakistani army. Observers have said that Bugti's killing was the second high profile political
assassination by the Pakistani army, which had earlier executed former Pakistani prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Bugti's killing clearly exposed Musharraf's deep
dislike and intolerance towards any form of dissent. Musharraf had earlier forced former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, as well as several other
leaders, to leave Pakistan in order to safeguard his political interests and continue as the unchallenged political and military head of Pakistan. Bugti's killing once
again established that democracy has never been institutionalised in Pakistan, which has remained under the Army's watch since independence. Pakistani army's
stranglehold on the country's politics was reaffirmed on 29 August 2006 when the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was defeated in the
parliament. Despite the fact that there was open resentment even within the ruling party over Bugti's killing, Musharraf ensured that his prime minister did not have to
face an embarrassing defeat in the parliament.
For several years, Bugti had been fighting for the rights of the Baloch people, who have suffered due to exploitation of their province's resources by the Pakistani
military establishment. Despite the fact that Bugti had always kept the door open for negotiations, General Musharraf never encouraged a serious dialogue with the
rebel leader. In fact, Musharraf went on to say that "this is not the 1970s when you can hit and hide. You will not even know what hit you this time." Musharraf proved
his point as the veteran Baloch leader was finally killed by a laser-guided bunker-buster missile, which did not give Bugti any chance of escaping. Some media
reports also claimed that the weapons used in the operation against Bugti were in fact supplied by the US to Pakistan for boosting its anti-terrorism operations
against Taliban and Al Qaida militants hiding in the Waziristan tribal agency. Bugti's killing clearly exposes the brutal face of the Pakistani army. However, the
international community, including the US, did not condemn the incident. Even the international media did not pay much attention to Bugti's killing; the 27 August
2006 edition of US daily The New York Times carried only a 91-word news item on the incident.
Pakistan has repeatedly hurled accusations about human rights violations against neighbouring India. At all international and regional forums, Pakistan has
accused the Indian security forces of committing human rights abuses in Kashmir. On several occasions, several international organisations have given statements
that were clearly influenced by Pakistani allegations. However, what is not recognised is the fact that Indian forces have never resorted to aerial bombing or massive
military operations against militants operating in Kashmir and other parts of the country. Compared to the Indian position, the Pakistani army has not hesitated to
use brute military force against its own people.
The assassination of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti establishes the fact that the Pakistani army continues to commit grave human rights violations against its own people
whether it is in Balochistan, Northern Areas or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Dialogue as a means of resolving genuine grievances has no place in the Army's
vocabulary. However, Bugti's killing has, in fact, served as a message to Baloch rebel factions that they have to unite in order to fight for their rights. It remains to be
seen whether General Musharraf adopts a democratic approach for redressing longstanding Baloch grievances. If he fails to do so, Pakistan could suffer another
dismemberment similar to the one that took place in 1971. Rather than establishing the writ of the government as claimed by Musharraf, Bugti's killing has, in fact,
opened up what could eventually end up as another bloody chapter in Pakistan's turbulent history.
SOURCE: http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/insights/insight20060902a.html
Balochistan observes Akbar Bugti's 5th death
anniversary
Aug 27, 20011
QUETTA: Fifth anniversary of former governor and a leader of the Bugti tribe, Nawab Akbar Bugti was observed in Balochistan Friday, Geo News reported. A complete
shutter-down was observed in different areas of Balochistan including Quetta.
The call for shutter-down strike was given by Baloch Republican Party (BRP) and Jamhuri Watan Party (JWP). All the business activities and transport were
suspended in different areas of Quetta while strict security measures were also taken.
Other areas including Noshki, Turbat, Sibbi, Bolan, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Qallat, Khuzdar Mastong and Panjgor also observed shutter-down.
According to the JWP spokesperson, black flags will hoisted on party office buildings while the workers will use black arm bands to mark the anniversary.
Other Baloch nationalist parties including BNF, BNP along with Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and Jamat-e-Islami have also favored to observe the strike.
The chief of JWP, Nawabzadah Talal Bugti has appealed to the political parties, civil society, traders and transporters to make the black day successful.
JWP chief Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in a historical operation carried out by security forces in Kohlu on August 26, 2006.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=21546&title=Akbar-Bugtis-death-anniversary-observed
anniversary
Aug 27, 20011
QUETTA: Fifth anniversary of former governor and a leader of the Bugti tribe, Nawab Akbar Bugti was observed in Balochistan Friday, Geo News reported. A complete
shutter-down was observed in different areas of Balochistan including Quetta.
The call for shutter-down strike was given by Baloch Republican Party (BRP) and Jamhuri Watan Party (JWP). All the business activities and transport were
suspended in different areas of Quetta while strict security measures were also taken.
Other areas including Noshki, Turbat, Sibbi, Bolan, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Qallat, Khuzdar Mastong and Panjgor also observed shutter-down.
According to the JWP spokesperson, black flags will hoisted on party office buildings while the workers will use black arm bands to mark the anniversary.
Other Baloch nationalist parties including BNF, BNP along with Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and Jamat-e-Islami have also favored to observe the strike.
The chief of JWP, Nawabzadah Talal Bugti has appealed to the political parties, civil society, traders and transporters to make the black day successful.
JWP chief Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in a historical operation carried out by security forces in Kohlu on August 26, 2006.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=21546&title=Akbar-Bugtis-death-anniversary-observed
Murder of Baloch Leader Nawab Akbar
Khan Bugti: A Big Tragedy (From Before)
Khan Bugti: A Big Tragedy (From Before)
Related Links:
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Pakistan’s Bitter, Little-Known Ethnic Rebellion
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Pakistan denies committing crimes against humanity in Balochistan: Michael Hughes
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U.S. Enables Pakistan's Oppression of Balochistan: Michael Hughes
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Balochistan: Victims of reported disappearances and alleged extrajudicial and unlawful killings in Balochistan,
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“We Can Torture, Kill, or Keep You for Years”
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Enforced Disappearances by Pakistan Security Forces in Balochistan
