A group of tribesmen led by the grandson of late nationalist leader Akbar Bugti today returned to Balochistan province of southwest Pakistan, eight years after they were forced out of their homes during a military operation.
The tribesmen, travelling in a convoy of 25 vehicles, entered Dera Bugti this afternoon. Led by Gohram Bugti, the grandson of Akbar Bugti, the convoy had left Islamabad yesterday amidst news that the Bugti Fort had been vacated by security forces.
Gohram, flanked by his brother Shahzain Bugti, told reporters the tribesmen were overjoyed at returning to their homeland. "The last eight years have been hard for us, living away from home," he said.
The federal and provincial governments have assured the the displaced tribesmen of their support.
When former military ruler Pervez Musharraf's regime carried out a military operation in Dera Bugti during 2006-2007, an estimated 170,000 tribesmen fled from the region and its adjoining districts.
Akbar Bugti was killed during the operation and several of his relatives fled the country. Others moved to different parts of Pakistan.
The tribesmen were prevented from resettling in their homes in Dera Bugti.
Gohram Bugti claimed over 200,000 people had been homeless since 2005. The tribesmen say the previous Pakistan People's Party-led government did nothing for the displaced families.
Scores of Bugti tribesman have been protesting outside the parliament in Islamabad for the past few months to pressure authorities to facilitate their return.
They decided to protest after they were stopped by security forces while trying to return to Dera Bugti earlier this year and forced to resettle in Dera Ghazi Khan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Khairpur and Karachi.
The military clampdown against Akbar Bugti was sparked by a rocket attack during a visit by Musharraf to Balochistan in December 2005. Musharraf is currently facing trial for his alleged role in the killing of Bugti.
