In a sign of internal rivalry in the Baloch separatist movement, Brahamdagh Bugti’s cousin has said he would fight for Pakistan in the event of a war with India.
Shahzain Bugti, grandson of slain Baloch tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, has said that if a war breaks out with India, he along with his tribal warriors would fight against Indian troops along with the Pakistan Army.
Shahzain, a cousin of Geneva-based Brahamdagh, who has sought asylum in India, said at the annual convention of the Jamhoori Watan Party – which was formed by his grandfather – that the Bugti tribe would always stand in defence of Pakistan.
Brahamdagh can stay in India or Geneva that is his personal decision. But as far as I or the party is concerned, we will always follow the dictates of Nawab Akbar Bugti.Shahzain Bugti
He said his grandfather had opted for Pakistan at the time of Partition and his party would remain loyal to this ideology.
Nawab Akbar Bugti was always with Pakistan and in the past also our tribesmen fought for Pakistan. Nothing has changed. Our ideology is the same. Even today if India goes to war with Pakistan, we will defend the Pakistani borders.
Ever since nationalist leader Akbar Bugti was killed in a military operation in 2006, there has been a war of succession between three of his grandsons, including Shahzain and Brahamdagh, who are both claimants to the title of the tribe’s chieftainship, and have refused to recognise Aali Bugti as his successor.
Brahamdagh, who has been living in Switzerland, on Tuesday approached the Indian Embassy in Geneva seeking political asylum in India.
(Source: PTI)
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