UN expresses concern about Baloch leaders killings

New York, Apr.10 (ANI): The United Nations has expressed "serious concern" over the killing of three ethnic Baloch leaders that has sparked off riots in that Pakistani province.

It called for an immediate investigation into the deaths of the three, who supporters say went missing on April 2 after being detained by security forces.

An army spokesman has blamed "anti-state" elements for the killings.

Strikes have been called across the province. One policeman died in riots on Thursday and more trouble is feared.

There has been a long-waged insurgency by nationalists in Balochistan for a greater share of natural resources and more autonomy.

"The United Nations calls on the government of Pakistan to immediately investigate these murders and to ensure that the Balochistan Qaum Dost Committee continues its important work," the BBC quoted Michele Montas, spokeswoman for the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, as saying in a statement.

The victims were members of the committee that was recently formed by the government of Pakistan to investigate the case of missing persons in the province, most notably abducted UN worker John Solecki, who was freed last Saturday.

The three leaders killed were named as Ghullam Muhammad Baloch, Lala Munir Baloch and Sher Muhammad Bugti.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has condemned the killings, calling them an attempt to sabotage reconciliation efforts. (ANI)