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At
least 60 Bugtis killed 150 injured & 8 Paki troops killed, 23 wounded in Dera Bugti
Tension mounted on Friday in Balochistan after a fierce clash between FC security forces and Dera Bugti tribesmen left at least 60 people that include women and children and more then 150 injured from the Bugti Tribesman and 8 Paki paramilitary troopers dead and 23 others wounded.
The gun battle broke out early Thursday and continued late into the night as tribal leaders also spoke of dozens of casualties on their side.
It was not clear how the fight began in the Sangsila area on the outskirts of Sui town, a stronghold of nationalist elements, which are agitating against the government for National rights.
The chief of the Bugti tribe, Nawab Akbar Bugti, said his men were attacked by FC personnel and accused the government of staging the incident as a precursor to a military operation against the tribesmen.
“We have also lost 60 people that include women and children and more then 150 injured” Nawab Bugti said.
The chief of Frontier Corps, Major General Shujaat Zamir Dar, speaking to reporters Thursday night in Quetta, denied initiating any military operation in Dera Bugti and claimed it was a planned attack on the military convoy.
Both sides claimed the use of rockets and mortars by their rivals. Reports reaching Islamabad Friday said sporadic firing was still going on in parts of the embattled area despite a claim of a ceasefire by the government officials.
Army troops and government installations have been frequently attacked in recent months, allegedly by the nationalist elements to push for their demands. 18.3.05 |
