UN resumes activities in Balochistan

QUETTA - The United Nations (UN) is restarting its relief activities in Balochistan that were halted after the kidnapping of an UNHCR official from the provincial capital earlier this year. John Solecki, the local head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), was abducted in Quetta on February 2. Soon after the incident all the organisations of the UN working in health, education, provision of clean drinking water and agriculture had stopped their activities owing to security concerns. Moreover, relief activities of the international organisation in the earthquake affected areas of Ziarat and Pishin along with anti-polio campaign were also stopped. According to the sources, Balochistan govt has assured the UN of providing foolproof security to its officials working in different parts of the province. Following the assurance, the UN affiliated agencies have resumed their working. However, sources say so far relief activities were confined to Quetta and other peaceful districts, while relief activities would be started in the far-flung areas would be started after complete review of the law and order situation. Meanwhile, police on Wednesday foiled possible terrorism bid in the provincial capital by recovering 250-kilogram explosive material from a vehicle. One the other hand, a youngster was killed while a man received serious injuries in two separate landmine explosions in Dera Bugti and Jaffarabad districts. Police sources say a suspected vehicle was signalled to stop for search at a picket at Killi Nowsar, but accused unknown persons opened fire on the policemen, which resulted in cross firing. However, the miscreants managed to escaped from the scene leaving behind their vehicle. Police cordoned off the area and took vehicle into custody and found seven packs carrying 250-kilogram explosive material from the lorry. A case has been registered against the unknown outlaws for further investigation. Meanwhile, a youngster identified as Muhammad Javed lost his live due to a landmine blast while playing in a graveyard near Kalli Colony in Dera Bugti. Similarly, a person was injured in an explosion in Jaffarabad district. Police said Sadiq, resident of Jaffarabad, sustained serious wounds when his tractor trolley hit a landmine. Landmine went off with a huge explosion damaging the vehicle as well. The injured was shifted to nearby a hospital. Police have registered cases of both incidents and started investigation. It is important to note that the deaths and injuries in landmine explosions, laid by miscreants, have become a routine in the province.

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