The Balochistan government on Wednesday defended its ongoing crackdown against leaders and activists of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) by claiming it was necessary to maintain public order and ensure security.
In a joint press conference with Quetta DIG Aitzaz Goraya, provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind acknowledged that peaceful protests are a fundamental right, but stressed that public safety and law and order supersede it. Referring to last month’s Jaffar Express hijacking, he alleged the BYC had attempted to exhume bodies of the attackers from a graveyard and had resorted to protests when its attempt was foiled.
According to Rind, the location and manner of demonstrations must be determined by district authorities to ensure minimal disruption of life. He regretted that the BYC had consistently refused to acknowledge any such determinations.
He also questioned the BYC’s claim of staging peaceful protests, asserting that its last protest in Quetta had resulted in the destruction of 36 CCTV cameras, 18 utility poles, the main gate of Balochistan University, and the burning of a post office. He alleged an attempt was also made to loot a bank.
The government’s statement came a day ahead of the Balochistan National Party (Mengal)’s stated plan to resume its long march toward Quetta for the release of detained BYC activists, particularly Mahrang Baloch. The BNP-M’s march commenced from Wadh on March 28 before converting into a sit-in at Lak Pass. BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal has announced that the sit-in would continue until April 3 (today) before once again taking the form of a long march on Quetta if the BYC leaders remain imprisoned.
In a bid to prevent the advance of the march, the provincial government has dug trenches at various locations along the National Highway and sealed off various areas with shipping containers. Attempts to negotiate an end to the protest have thus far failed to achieve any resolution.
To a question on the BNP-M protest, Rind admitted that the government had restricted its advance due to security concerns. He said the party had been invited to an in-camera session to discuss the law and order situation but had not agreed to participate. He said cellular internet services were suspended in some areas due to the same security threats.
On a question about reports that the government was considering banning the BYC, the spokesperson said he was unaware of any such development. He stressed the government remains open to dialogue, but warned it would not allow the destruction of public property in the name of protests.