QUETTA: A shutter-down strike was observed across multiple cities in Balochistan on Monday, following a call from the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) in response to the ongoing sit-in at Lakpass, Mastung.
The protest, now in its 11th day, was triggered by the party’s opposition to the arrest of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch. The protest is also aimed at the recent crackdown on their sit-in in Quetta.
The BNP-M initiated a “long march” from Wadh to Quetta on March 28, protesting against these arrests and the broader issues of Balochistan’s political landscape. Despite a day of clashes with police, including tear gas and shelling used to disperse the protestors, the march continues, with little resolution from negotiations.
BNP-M leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal had earlier announced that after failing to reach a resolution through three rounds of negotiations, the party would march on Quetta on April 6. However, the provincial government had warned Mengal that any attempt to enter Quetta would result in his arrest under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) laws.
The strike observed today affected various districts across Balochistan, including Gwadar, Turbat, Pasni, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Kharan, Mastung, Kalat, Dalbandin, Noshki, Sorab, and Hub. Businesses, markets, and banks remained closed, with minimal vehicular movement on the streets. The strike highlighted the region’s strong discontent with the ongoing political situation and the government’s handling of protests.
While a couple of government delegations had been sent for negotiations, BNP leader Quddus Baloch noted that no progress was made, as the teams sent lacked the authority to bring about a resolution.
Baloch also mentioned that the sit-in at Lakpass was under siege, with Mastung being a known stronghold of religious extremists, further complicating the security situation.
The situation in Balochistan remains tense, with ongoing protests and demands for justice, highlighting the region’s dissatisfaction with both the provincial government and the central authorities in Islamabad.
