Suspected nationalist militants Sunday clashed with security forces in Southwestern Baluchistan province at a time when thousands of tribal people were starting to return to their tribe after fleeing it for about a decade, said officials. Nationalist militants attacked security forces with rockets and missiles in gas-rich Sui area, about 300 kilometers Southeast of Quetta, the provincial capital, District Coordinating Officer (DPO), Abdul Samad Lasi, told KUNA. He said the attack killed one soldier and wounded five others. He added that following attack security forces opened retaliatory fire that wounded over 10 militants. However, he said, there were no arrests.The latest incident came amid thousands of tribal people, who had fled their tribe owing to the rivalry with Nawab Akbar Bugti, the main hand behind Baluch nationalist movement, started returning back to their homes after a period of almost 12 years under a government-sponsored program.
Meanwhile, a homemade bomb went off in Khuzdar area near an abandoned mud-house. Police said there were no casualties but the explosion damaged the house. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz addressing a press conference in Quetta said peace will be maintained in Baluchistan at any cost. He said all problems and disputes will be resolved through negotiations. However, he added, if somebody will resort to terrorist activities then the government will use all means to stop them.