Mahrang Baloch Arrested Amid Quetta Protest
The protest was part of a larger movement demanding greater autonomy and rights for the Baloch community, with Mahrang Baloch's arrest seen as a symbol of the government's crackdown on dissent. The BYC has called for a province-wide shutter-down and wheel jam strike, as the situation continues to unfold.
Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist, was taken into custody by police in Quetta on Saturday, as a sit-in protest against alleged atrocities against the Baloch community turned violent, with reports of three protesters killed and dozens injured.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused the police of using excessive force, including tear gas, water cannons, and bullets, to disperse the demonstration, which was held in response to the abduction-like arrest of BYC central leaders and other women. The BYC has termed the actions as "state terrorism" and accused the police of launching a crackdown on women and children.
The Balochistan government, however, has denied the allegations, stating that the protesters resorted to stone-pelting and unprovoked violence, injuring several police officers. The government claims that law enforcement acted in accordance with the law to clear a blocked national highway. The authorities have sealed off the Red Zone, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.
The Baloch National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and the National Party (NP) have condemned the alleged excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and urged the government to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation. The ongoing conflict in Balochistan is marked by demands for greater autonomy, control over natural resources, and better socio-economic conditions.
The situation remains tense, with the BYC continuing to protest and the government maintaining that it will not allow law and order to be disrupted. The arrest of Mahrang Baloch has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for his release and an end to the violence.