In view of growing unrest, abductions and attacks on police stations and Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi’s private rest house in Nafoor in Jhal Magsi district, Balochistan, a large grand jirga of the Magsi tribe was held under the leadership of Nawabzada Mir Nadir Ali Magsi.
Many people attended the jirga, during which the formation of a “Magsi Peace Force” was formally announced in the name of establishing peace in the area and protecting people’s lives and property.
According to sources, the newly formed “Magsi Peace Force” has set up positions on a large scale in Nafoor and other mountain ranges. The force has been equipped with modern drone technology and heavy and modern weapons, and patrols have begun in the area to monitor the movement of armed men and prevent incidents of terrorism.
Meanwhile, political and defence analysts and some local sources say the state and intelligence agencies are behind this step, aimed at curbing the growing influence of Baloch pro-freedom organisations active in the area.
Analysts believe that after successive deadly attacks on security forces across Balochistan and the challenges facing the government’s writ, local nawabs, sardars and tribal elders are once again being put in the front line, as in the past, under a “divide and rule” policy, so that the Baloch can be set against one another.
Earlier, too, some armed militias working under military patronage, known among the public as “death squads”, have been mobilised in various areas of Balochistan. These groups have faced serious allegations of involvement in enforced disappearances, targeted killings and other social evils.
According to reports, the fearless reach and attacks of pro-freedom groups into towns have deeply affected the morale of security personnel, with reports emerging of reluctance to patrol, resignations and alleged suicides. Forming armed forces through local tribal figures and sardars, under a larger plan, is being seen as a new strategy to deal with these conditions and reduce direct pressure on the forces.
