BYC continues sit-in, protest in Balochistan on 2nd day

QUETTA: The sit-in and protest of Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) is continuing on the second day (Sunday) on the Saryab Road, University Chowk, Qambarani Road, Bashir Chowk and Link Shewani against stopping of convoys to participate in the meeting of BYC, which was to be held in Gwadar.

Shops were closed while the land link between Quetta and Karachi has remained suspended for the third consecutive day. On the call of BYC, complete shutter down was observed in Nokandi, Noshki, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Kharan, while traffic was very thin on the roads in these areas.

According to information, the series of sit-ins and protests continued in Mustang, Kalat, Sorab, and Makran divisions on stopping of convoys.

Security sources said that barriers were placed in different areas in order to maintain law and order in the province. They said that work on removing barriers has been started after the end of meeting in Gwadar.

Meanwhile, the National Party (NP) on Sunday voiced support for the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) protests, urging authorities to release over 300 political workers.

National Party leaders Aslam Baloch and MPA Kalsoom Niaz addressed a press conference criticising the government’s actions in the region. The NP is with the BYC, they said claiming that a civil martial law had been imposed in Balochistan for the past week. The leaders alleged that authorities blocked the major highways and roads to prevent people from attending a BYC public meeting in Gwadar.

Meanwhile, Shamaila Ismail, a central executive member of the NP, on Sunday criticised what she described as the worst example of dictatorship in Balochistan. In a statement, she condemned the use of force to disperse peaceful protesters making a reference to an incident in Mastung where 14 demonstrators heading to Gwadar were injured.

Meanwhile, Member Balochistan Assembly Maulana Hidayatur Rehman on Sunday announced to sit on the opposition benches in the house. Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, he said he had chosen the government benches with the hope to resolve the issues of Gwadar and not to make assets and get benefits from the government.

The Maulana urged the government to ensure the right of citizens to hold a peaceful demonstration. Hidayatur Rehman emphasized the government to play a positive role in the current situation and resolve the reservations of local people.