Jamhoori Watan Party leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti has claimed that security forces suffered heavy losses in recent clashes with tribesmen in Dera Bugti and Kahan areas.

Talking to newsmen on satellite phone from Dera Bugti on Sunday, he said that two helicopters had taken away the bodies of the dead and the injured paramilitary troops from Dera Bugti.

He also alleged that aircraft had dropped chemical bombs on the Sungsila road two days ago.

Nawab Bugti said that no-one would take up weapons if the government recognised the rights of the Baloch people, adding that the Baloch National Movement was gaining strength.

About the existence of a separatist movement or involvement of foreign hands, the JWP leader said the government was issuing such statements to conceal its weaknesses.

He added that the dispute with the government would end if the rulers accepted the national rights of the Baloch people.

Answering a question about resolving the dispute through dialogue, he said he had bitter experiences with negotiations because commitments were never honoured.

About evacuation of tribesmen from the Dera Bugti town, the JWP leader claimed that it was a tactical step to save people’s lives.

He said that 20,000 security forces had been deployed in Dera Bugti and there were reports of fresh regular troops coming from Kashmore to Sui.

Nawab Bugti said that unification of factions of the Baloch Students Organization was a positive development for the Baloch national movement and hoped that the youth would play an important role in the struggle. 13.2.06