 The ensuing protest against the dismissal of the duly elected government also led to calls for Balochistan's secession, met by Bhutto's ordering the Pakistan Army into the province.Akbar Khan Bugti, served as provincial governor during the early stages of the conflict.The operation itself was led by General Tikka Khan and provided military support by Iran, against the resistance of unknown number of militants coordinated by their Baloch sardars, or tribal chiefs, that most notably included Khair Bakhsh Marri and Ataullah Mengal.