Lahore, Nov 24: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly denounced the mysterious killing of Mir Balach Marri.

The HRCP, in a statement said that it was shocked and deeply aggrieved over the matter, and claimed the incident was likely to increase the anger of the people of Balochistan against the Pakistan Government.

It also demanded a thorough probe into the matter. Pakistan’s leading human rights body also said it was time for the Musharraf regime to give up its reliance on force as the sole means of securing peace and tranquillity in Balochistan.

The death of Balach Marri, the leader of banned Balochistan Liberation Army, is wrapped in mystery as the cause and location of his death still remains unknown.

There are various speculations about the circumstances of his death. Some people believe that Balach was sleeping in his hideout in Kohlu district’s Kahan area when security forces raided and killed him after a tip-off from Balach’s men. It is also believed that he was killed in the Noshaki area where he was hiding.

Some reports also suggest that he was on the run and hiding in Afghanistan. NATO forces mistook his convey as that of Taliban’s and bombed him.

Another report says that Balach was killed by Brahmdagh Bugti, the grandson of late Nawab Akbar Bugti, due to differences between them.

However, none of these speculations lead to a convincing conclusion, the Daily Times reported.

In another statement, the HRCP also called for an immediate lifting of curbs on the freedom of judges and lawyers.

The statement signed by HRCP Secretary General Iqbal Haider and Vice Chairwoman Hina Jilani, expressed serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating health of jailed advocate Muneer Malik.

It said Malik’s condition in Attock Jail had become serious. He is said to be losing consciousness for hours at a stretch.

The HRCP strongly objected to the hardships being faced by superior court judges —under "unlawfully and unacknowledged detention" — and their families. I