Insurgents blow up utility pylons in southern Pakistan

Jan 18, 2007, 9:20 GMT

Islamabad - Insurgents fighting government forces in Pakistan's southern Balochistan province on Thursday blew up two electricity pylons in the Dera Bugti district, news reports said.

Explosives were used to damage the power network in Paish Bogi area and caused disruptions to supplies to the town of Sui, unnamed officials told the private Geo news channel.

Security forces cordoned off the area and started a search for the saboteurs, the officials said, adding that the local electricity provider had been asked to carry out repairs.

Militants destroyed other power and gas lines in the area in recent weeks, leaving thousands of people without heat and light in harsh winter weather.

The mineral-rich province witnessed a rise in insurgent activities after government authorities killed a tribal chief and rebel leader, Nawab Akbar Bugti, in August 2006.

Locals claim that they are not getting their due share of profit earned by the central government from resources in Balochistan.