More than 1,000 troops have been sent to the Sui gas field after its closure because of a series of clashes with tribesmen, which left eight people dead, officials said on Wednesday. Violence erupted five days ago at the state-run Sui gas facility in Balochistan, sparked by the alleged gang rape of a lady doctor working at the plant. More than 1,000 paramilitary troops from Frontier Corps had secured the gas field, Interior Ministry officials said, while the military said regular forces were also being moved in.
Military Spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan told AFP regular troops backed by helicopters were moving into the area, which also came under rocket attack on Wednesday.
The mission of the paramilitary and regular soldiers in the area was to "protect the installation as well as the life and property of the families of the gas company," he said. He would not give the numbers of troops involved.
Sultan said the tribal raiders had pretended they were taking a patient to the doctor at the plant. When they were let in they overpowered and killed the guards, briefly took control of some watchtowers and damaged the gas equipment.
The situation at Sui has sparked concern over worsening security in the economically vital area.
OUR ISLAMABAD CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Federal Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said that foreign hand in Sui incident could not be ruled out, however, the federal government is ready to assist the provincial government to conduct operation against the miscreants.
He stated this while addressing a hurriedly called press conference at the ministry's Crisis Management Cell here on Wednesday.
He clarified that the Balochistan government has so far not contacted the federal government in this regard. The situation in Sui area is still tense, but is under control, he said.
He said that all rockets and mortars were fired from the adjoining settlements of Nawab Akbar Bugti's area.
But, he said that we are not in a position to directly accuse Bugti as dialogue process between the Baloch nationalists and National Assembly Parliamentary Committee is going on to reach a consensus regarding establishing peace in the province.
Sherpao also made it clear that the government will not allow anyone to challenge the writ of law and said the government would utilise all available resources to arrest the miscreants.
To another question regarding alleged rape of a lady doctor by an army officer inside the premises of the Sui gas field, he said that an FIR has been lodged against the culprit.
The provincial government has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter and DG Military Operation (DGMO) has also been directed to submit the report, he added.
He said that at least four people, including a Frontier Corps man, were killed and seven sustained critical injuries following firing between the miscreants and the law-enforcement agencies.
Sherpao said, "Insurgents wanted to harm the gas plant and if they succeeded gas supply will be suspended."
He said that on January 7, 8, 9 and 10 the miscreants tried to capture the plant, but the officials of the law-enforcement agencies thwarted their efforts.
He said that at least 450 rockets were fired at the plant from the areas of Mohammadi, Bugti and Bogra Colonies in the night, which have partially damaged the plant, and it has been temporarily closed and would be repaired in a few days.
About 22 percent gas was being supplied from this gas field to most parts of Punjab and NWFP.
The miscreants began unprovoked firing and the law-enforcement agencies retaliated leaving several civilians dead and injured.
Sherpao said that the troops were following the policy of restraint to avert collateral damages and only retaliates to the firing of the insurgents.
However, the minister said that Frontier Corps were deployed in the troubled area to normalise the situation and push out the miscreants. The area is now under the Frontier Corps' control. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) authorities have temporarily suspended the gas supply in order to avert more damage, he added.
The gas suspension has immensely affected the industrial and domestic consumers.
Sherpao said that around 300 miscreants from Bugti tribe have attacked the Sui plant. They entered into the premises through Gate No 5 on the pretext of admitting a patient in the hospital and captured two towers, ie, 10 and 11, which were later recaptured by the law-enforcement agencies.