Baloch Leader Asks India For Help

Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, a senator in the Pakistan Senate, and senior Baloch leader on Tuesday absolved India of fomenting trouble in Balochistan, saying he did not think India was supporting Balochi separatists.

"I don't think India is playing a role in Balochistan. I have said this in Pakistan too, that we really need to look into the role of NATO forces in the problems that Pakistan is facing," Bizenjo, also senior vice-president of the National Party, said.

Mir is on a private trip to India. His father Ghaus Baksh Bizenjo who had served as governor of Balochistan, had also opposed the integration of Balochistan with Pakistan.

Mir said any redrawing of boundaries did not bode well for the security of the troubled region. "Secession is a dangerous thing. This concept of redrawing borders will fuel more bloodshed. What we need is more autonomy for regions," he added.

Mir also made a case for a federation of states including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, to tackle terror in the region.

"This region is plagued by two problems - religious intolerance and the presence of foreign forces on our doorsteps. If we don't join hands, all of us will have to face the repercussions," he said.

On India's relationship with Pakistan, Mir said India, as the larger neighbour, needs to take steps to strengthen Pakistan's democracy. "The dictators of Pakistan have done immense harm to our nation. We need your support to help strengthen our security and India should realise this," he