In a recent development, the Long March organized by the Baloch Unity Committee faced resistance in the form of tear gas, violence, and arrests by Islamabad police. Expressing discontent and demanding justice, protesters staged a sit-in in front of the Balochistan Assembly and on Siryab Road in Quetta. In response, an appeal for a nationwide shutter-down strike has been issued, calling for solidarity in protest against the reported police brutality.
Protesters’ Demands:
The demonstrators are demanding the release of arrested individuals in Islamabad and condemning what they perceive as unjust treatment towards Baloch women and sisters during the Long March.
The protests have significantly disrupted normal life in Quetta, causing extensive traffic jams on major roads, including Jinnah Road, Qandhari Bazaar, Anscomb Road, Hali Road, Gulistan Road, Zarghoon Road, Siryab Road, Circular Road, Pishin Stop, Double Road, Emergency Chowk, Jaffar Khan Jamali Road, Chaman Phatak, Koila Phatak, Smangoli Road, and others.
Nationwide Shutter-Down Appeal:
In response to the unrest, the Baloch Unity Committee has called for a nationwide shutter-down strike today. The participants urged to close down the road connecting Karachi, Hub, and Lasbela to Fort Munro, as a mark of protest against the reported incidents of tear gas shelling and arrests during the Long March.
A protest rally scheduled to start from Fida Chowk in Turbat at 10 AM, emphasizing the need for unity in addressing the issues faced by the Baloch community.
The Baloch Unity Committee has also raised concerns about the disappearance of individuals, including women and children, during the protests. An appeal has made to human rights organizations to intervene and ensure the safety and rights of those missing.
The unfolding events in Balochistan underscore the importance of addressing grievances and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights. The appeal for a shutter-down strike serves as a call to action, urging citizens nationwide to stand in unity and demand justice for those affected by the recent incidents in Balochistan.
