Insurgency in Balochistan

The Balochistan Conflict is an artificial mini-insurgency in Pakistan's Balochistan province. It is being fought between the state and the provincial tribal lords and their militias. At stake is the resources of the region and who actually rules the land, the government or the tribal lords.

Balochistan is a resource rich although poor province of Pakistan. It has been ruled for the last 58 years by the colonial system of Sardari(tribal lordship). So powerful were the tribal lords that even the royalties from the resources went into their pockets. Their rule over their tribes has been dictatorial and unproductive.

The conflict began in February 2006 and has continued till now. It is characterized by rocket and heavy gun attacks on security forces, bomb blasts in cities and assasination and mine laying by tribals on roads.

The mini-insurgency is led by three tribal lords: Nawab Akbar Bugti, Sardar Ataullah Mengal and Balach Marri. The violent tribesmen are from the Bugti and Marri tribes. The violence has remained limited to these tribes.

In July 2006, hundreds of tribesmen from the Bugti tribe surrendered to the government. The mini-insurgency has been in a weakened state lately, and both Akbar Bugti and Balach Marri have fled their native villages and are hiding in the mountains.

There have been many allegations of human rights abuses against the security forces, however they have remained allegations. There have been many civilian deaths in bomb blasts and rocket attacks by the tribal militants, lots of property has been destroyed and the peace in the province has been disturbed.

The Government of Pakistan's policy is to speed up development in the province and to satisfy the legitimate grievances of the Baloch. Parallel to this the government has been on the warpath with the tribal lords and their militias.