Baloch Yakjehti Committee Members Injured in Mastung Attack
On July 28, fourteen members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were injured after coming under fire in Mastung, Balochistan, Pakistan. They were on their way to attend a rally in Gwadar.
Accusations and Responses
The injured members accused security forces of opening fire on them. Kalat Deputy Commissioner Shayak Baloch stated that the BYC convoy attacked a Levies checkpoint. BYC leader Bebarg Baloch claimed that a law enforcement officer fired at the convoy on the Quetta-Karachi highway. Five members were critically injured, and over 200 people were arrested.
Government’s Stance
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind denied the firing claims, stating that no such orders were given by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti or the provincial government. Rind emphasized that peaceful protest is a right, but the administration has the right to choose the location under the law. The government imposed Section 144, banning all gatherings in Quetta and sealing roads to the Red Zone.
Negotiations
Rind mentioned that the government is open to negotiations, as stated by Chief Minister Bugti in the Balochistan Assembly. The BYC was instructed to hold their public meeting elsewhere instead of Gwadar.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch Yakjehti Committee -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is a group of people from the Baloch community who work together to support their rights and interests.
Mastung -: Mastung is a place in Pakistan, located in the Balochistan province.
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a port city in Pakistan, also in the Balochistan province, known for its strategic importance.
convoy -: A convoy is a group of vehicles traveling together, often for protection or a common purpose.
checkpoint -: A checkpoint is a place where security forces stop and check vehicles and people for safety reasons.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan, known for its large area and small population.
Section 144 -: Section 144 is a law in India and Pakistan that allows the government to ban gatherings of people to maintain public order.
Quetta -: Quetta is the capital city of Balochistan province in Pakistan.
negotiations -: Negotiations are discussions between people or groups to reach an agreement or solve a problem.