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Top elected official in Pakistan’s Balochistan rules out talks with insurgents
Sarfraz Bugti said operations will continue until militants are eliminated as attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army have increased, officials said.
On Saturday, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti ruled out negotiations with insurgents, indicating the government will continue operations to eliminate terrorism in the province.
Balochistan has long faced a separatist insurgency by ethnic Baloch groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army , which regularly targets security forces and development projects.
Bugti stated the "fight against terrorism would continue until the last terrorist is eliminated," adding that the time has come for "major surgery" to ensure security.
Government officials reject calls for dialogue, noting that leniency is reserved solely for militants who surrender and lay down their weapons at ceremonies.
Despite government claims that it has quelled the insurgency, violence persists as deep grievances regarding enforced disappearances and resource exploitation complicate the conflict.