85 militants surrender in southwestern Pakistan

At least 85 tribal militants belonging to Bugti tribe of slain Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Khan Bugti today renounced violence by surrendering their weapons, Pakistan security forces said.
The militants bid adieu to violence in Sui area of the Balochistan province which is a stronghold for the followers of Bugti tribesmen.
Paramilitary Frontier Coprs (FC) spokesman Khan Wasay said among those surrendering included 15 Bugti tribesmen and their 70 accomplices associated to various sub clans of main Bugti tribe.
They were involved in attacks at the forces in Dera Bugti and Sui area of the province, he said.
The militants surrendered in presence of FC Inspector General Maj Gen Muhammad Ejaz Shahid at a ceremony attended by tribal elders and senior officials.

Their weapons included 89 rifles and landmines.

The provincial government has already declared amnesty for people returning their weapons and becoming peaceful.
The mineral-rich Balochistan is facing a low-level militancy by nationalist Balochs who allege that the federal government is exploiting their resources.
The situation has improved after last year's election which saw the appointment of respected moderate leader Dr Abdul Malik Baloch as chief minister.
Akbar Khan Bugti, who served as Minister of State for Interior and Governor of Balochistan, was killed in his cave in Kohlu on August 26, 2006 during military ruler Pervez Musharraf's regime.