Foreign elements behind Balochistan unrest, reveals former militant commander

• Two most wanted militant commanders join national mainstream. 
• Our survival, security lie in welfare of state: ex-terrorist commander
• Heinous game of terrorism being played in Balochistan, says Buledi. 

Thanking the state for providing him with an opportunity to integrate into the national fold, former commander of the militant organisation on Friday revealed that foreign elements working to sabotage the peace in a bid to destabilise the country.

Najeebullah made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference in Quetta flanked by Balochistan Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi, Adviser to the Chief Minister Meena Majeed Baloch, CTD DIG Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya and others.

At this event, two most wanted militant commanders — Najeebullah, erstwhile member of Balochistan Republican Party (BRP) and Abdul Rasheed, ex-member of the Baloch Liberation Army — and two other young men who recently joined the militant organisation, surrendered and joined the national mainstream.

Both the commanders of the banned outfit announced to shun the path of violence and reject the so-called liberation moment.

Talking to the media, former terrorist commander Najeebullah said: “I have seen the handlers’ true motives that removed the blindfold of so-called freedom from my eyes.”

“The Baloch liberation movements have devolved into gang wars,” he remarked.

The former commander revealed that he had joined the terrorist group because he was interested in politics and became a member of the central committee.

He further said: “I was 15 years old when I joined the militant group as they brainwashed me due to my immaturity”.

“The so-called fighters in the mountains don’t even have proper meals a day, while terrorist commanders live lavishly abroad and ignore us. Our survival and security lie in the welfare of the state,” he added.

Najeebullah has been part of terrorist organisation for more than 14 years.

According to Najeebullah, he felt that they were being used for the interests of external forces.

Najeebullah said he had close links with Dr Allah Nazar, Bashir Zaib and Bramadagh Bugti. He said terrorist organisations lured Baloch youth into terrorism.

He said commanders of terrorist organisations were leading a luxurious life abroad and used low-ranking terrorists as scapegoats.

“Children of terrorist commanders get higher education abroad while we are totally ignored.”

Najeebullah said more youths want to join the national mainstream and he requested the government to pave the way for them.

On the occasion, provincial minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi said, “A heinous game of terrorism is being played in Balochistan. Misguided individuals fighting their own institutions must return to the right path.”

The provincial minister added, “Two key terrorist commanders have surrendered. The government welcomes such individuals with open arms. Terrorist organisations have dragged Baloch youth into the quagmire of terrorism.”

Leader of terrorist organisation Abdul Rasheed alias Khudaidad alias Kamash also surrendered and joined the national mainstream.

According to Abdul Rasheed, in 2009, he met BLF commander Abid Imran. He said Abid Imran brainwashed him into becoming a terrorist.

He said in 2016, he joined the banned BLA and was one of the senior commanders of the Makran division.

— With additional input from APP