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600 rebel tribesmen surrender in Pakistan: report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, July 15, IRNA
Pakistan-Tribesmen
Some 600 rebel tribesmen have surrendered to the government in Pakistan's troubled southwestern province, where nationalists have been fighting pitched battles against security forces for more than a year, TV channels reported on Saturday.

Those who surrendered were supporters of Nawab Akbar Bugti, who himself has taken shelter in a cave in Balochistan province and is guarded by his poorly attired, heavily armed tribesmen.

Several senior commanders were among those who surrendered to the province's Home Minister Shoaib Nowsherwani at Dera Bugti district in a ceremony, Geo television reported.

Commanders including Wadera Khan Muhammad, Haji Kalu Khan Maisuri, Wadera Yousaf and Wadera Murad Ali surrendered along with their supporters and announced support to the government.

The commanders expressed regret over what they had done in the past, the TV reported.

They said that they had followed instructions of their tribal chiefs and imposed their will on the people at gunpoint.

The province's home minister described the surrender as a good omen and assured the tribesmen that the government would provide full protection to them. He also promised jobs for unemployed tribesmen.

Baloch tribesmen say they are struggling for more autonomy for the province and an end to military cantonments and huge development projects that they feel may marginalize the local Baloch population.

In 2004 the conflict assumed serious proportions as rebels stepped up their attacks, killing soldiers and paramilitary personnel.

With about six million inhabitants, Pakistan's biggest province has less than half the population of the port city of Karachi.

Raziq Bugti, a spokesman for the provincial government, said that many more supporters of Nawab Akbar Bugti are in touch with the government for their possible surrender.

He said Nawab Bugti has now only a few supporters who work as his personal guards.

He ruled out talks with Nawab Bugti unless this tribal leader disbands his private militia, eliminates camps and lays down his arms.

2020/235/2321/1414