Breakthrough on Chaman sit-in ‘very soon': Langau

Balochistan Home Minister Meer Ziaullah Langau has hinted at reaching a breakthrough on the prolonged Chaman sit-in “very soon". Traders and daily wagers have been protesting in Chaman for the last seven months against the border closure with Afghanistan, demanding the withdrawal of the condition for a valid passport and visa for movement between Pakistan and the neighbouring country. "The ice is melting and you will hear a positive development very soon,” the provincial minister told The Express Tribune in an exclusive interview. "They are our people and we will not hesitate in meeting them and addressing their grievances", he added. Langau said the leaders of the Chaman sit in would meet with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to find a solution to the prolonged protest. Read Good governance an antidote to Baloch insurgency "All their issues are related to the federal government rather than the provincial one,” the minister maintained. “Protecting their [the Chaman sit-in participants] jobs is our responsibility.” To a question about the increasing targeted killings in Balochistan, Langau replied that India and Afghanistan were behind the prevailing unrest in the province. "They are responsible for the acts of terrorism in Balochistan.” He continued that the Foreign Office had repeatedly conveyed this concern to the related quarters of both the countries. "We have to unite against all these malicious elements responsible for terrorism in the province.” To another query, the minister said the security forces had conducted intelligence-based operations and arrested key terrorist commanders, foiling the nefarious designs of Pakistan’s enemies. "Our forces continue to fight against the terrorists, who are claiming the lives of innocent people.” He noted that Gulzar Imam alias Shambay, a key commander of a militant group, was arrested by the security forces in a successful operation. "This reflects commitment of our forces.” Gulzar -- once the mastermind of militant organisations in southern Balochistan -- was arrested last year through a highly sensitive intelligence operation. He later expressed remorse over taking up arms, saying the fight for Balochistan's rights was only possible in a constitutional and political manner. Langau highlighted that the salaries of police and levies personnel would be increased in Balochistan, bringing them at par with those in Punjab. "We will definitely discuss the increase of salaries of our forces.” Earlier, the minister spoke at length about the issues faced by the province at a seminar organised by the Voice of Balochistan and Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences 

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