Adil Najam
Government sources in Pakistan have just announced that Nawab Akbar Bugti, chief of the Bugti tribe, veteran politician, and senior Baluchistan leader, has been killed in a shootout between “tribal militants and government forces” in Balochistan.
This is very sad and disturbing news that cannot bode well for anyone. While details are still coming in, BBC reports:
The battle near his mountain hideout in south-west Pakistan also caused heavy casualties on both sides, reports say. More than 20 soldiers and at least 30 rebels died, officials say. The octogenarian has been at the head of a tribal campaign to win political autonomy and a greater share of revenue from Balochistan’s gas reserves. “It is confirmed, Nawab Bugti has been killed in an operation,” Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani told Reuters news agency. The battle reportedly took place near the town of Dera Bugti, not far from Mr Bugti’s hideout.
According to a newsflash posted on The News website:
Jamhori Watan Party (JWP) chief Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in a historical operation carried out by security forces in Kohlu and Murree tribal areas on Saturday night, Federal Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani confirmed… Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) leader Makhdoom Amin Faheem termed Akbar Bugti’s death an incident which could worsen security situation in Pakistan.
The death, and the manner of death, of the veteran Baluch leader will indeed worsen the security situation in Baluchistan and exacerbate the feeling of marginalization amongst Baluchis. Nawab Bugti had, at various points in his life, ‘butted heads’ with just about all major leaders in Pakistan. His recent standoff with the Musharraf government was not the highpoint of his own political career but it may well be the lowest point of the Musharraf rule. However, more than the implications on immediate politics – which will become more clear and more pronounced over the next many days – this marks a tragic end to the life of an important political leader.
Born on July 12, 1927, Nawab Bugto was a ‘ tribal’ who was educated at Oxford, England, Aitchison College, Lahore and Karachi Grammar School and has served as Governor and Chief Minister of Baluchistan. Mr. Bugti’s legacy was clearly a mixed one and will be much debated and much dissected. He was, however, a major leader and this was indeed a sad and tragic way to go.
Bugti is gone ,he’s a past now so mourning or cheering on this news doesnt make any difference at all.
The serious issue is tht pakistan’s so called honest politicians doing *poltics of deadbodies* by provoking awam against General.Its bad very bad.where were all of them when akbar bugti was in trouble?did any of them actualy go to site and ask “Sir how are you doing in caves” ?The thing irking me tht 20+ foji jawans were killed too.coudnt general use some lethal weapon to strike him only?:(
There are many in Pakistan who did not like Bugti’s politics. There must be many in Balochistan who did not like his handling of his tribe’s affairs. And I am sure many in the employ of Sui Gas (PPL) did not like the way he extracted his pound of flesh from the Company. But, contrary to some of the comments above, one has not heard anyone accusing him or for that matter any of the major Baloch leaders of running a seperation movement. They have always been talking of greater autonomy and greater share in the provincial resources but not of sepearation.
The other day while commenting on Owais Mughal’s post on Bolan Pass and the pictures of the railway tunnels I had commented that one could see some light at the end of those tunnels. But that light seems to have dimmed — at least for now.
Adnan, it is hardly sarcasm. I was reminded of your previous comments that one’s conduct is the best manner by which we convince others. Your comment was about conduct of a good Muslim. I am only reminding you of your own comment that one’s conduct can be used to impress upon other people your point of view. If we see that people start celebrating someones death, an old man like Bugti at that, then I am just thinking what you meant about our conduct as muslims and how our belief does not allow killing of life which equates it with killing of entire humanity
I was going to write a reply about the alleged tragedy but Adnan has done an amazing job. As a friend said: one down, few more to go. (She should know she is a Baluch)
Buagti’s grandson was also killed in the raid?
http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/27baloch.htm