India-Pakistan: June 27, 2002

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Pakistan is having growing problems with Baluchi tribes who are unhappy with their share of the economic benefits of the gas exploration and other economic development projects. The Baluchis, a distinct ethnic group like the Pushtuns, have had separatist movements in the past. Lack of a Baluchi leader who could unite all the tribes has prevented separatism from going anywhere in the past. But Pakistan fears that economic and government corruption issues might provide the spark that would get Baluchi separatism going in a big way. There have been bombings and ambushes for the past several years in the area. Smuggling drugs and consumer goods are major economic activities. Baluchistan comprises most of western Pakistan, along the Indian Ocean coast to the Iranian border.

In Kashmir, rebel violence left five rebels, five policemen and ten civilians dead.