Malik blames RAW for Baloch insurgency

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has once again blamed Indian intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), for fanning the ongoing armed insurgency in Balochistan.

Talking to media persons before a cabinet meeting in Gwadar, Malik accused New Delhi of trying to incite anti-Pakistan feelings among the Baloch people.

“The Pakistani government would frustrate all such plans by paying full attention to the problems of Balochistan,” The Daily Times quoted Malik, as saying.

This is not the first time that Pakistan has accused India of harbouring extremist activities on its soil.

Malik, on several occasions, has claimed that Islamabad has critical evidence to prove India’s hand in the Baloch insurgency, and that it would table it at appropriate time.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had also said that Pakistan has evidence regarding New Delhi’s involvement in Baloch insurgency, and that it would raise the issue at an ‘appropriate time and forum’.

“I had discussed the issue with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Sharm-el- Sheikh in Egypt. There is evidence of Indian involvement in Balochistan, however, it is up to the government to decide which forum it will raise the issue on,” Gilani had said couple of days ago.

Responding to a question about the government’s reconciliatory plans, Malik said the government is pledged to provide all those rights to the Baloch people that have been denied to them until now.

“It is the top most priority of the government to give every Baloch his genuine rights,” Malik said.

When asked about the government’s strategy to deal with those leaders who keep harping about an independent Balochistan, Malik said he viewed the Baloch Republican Party chief Brahamdagh Bugti as his ” brother”.

“We will try to convince all disillusioned forces in Balochistan. Justice will be done with everyone affected in the past. All reservations of the Baloch people will be addressed through democratic means,” Malik said. (ANI)