Shopkeepers Strike in Balochistan Amid Baloch National Gathering
Shopkeepers and entrepreneurs in Balochistan, including areas like Khuzdar, Kalat, Mangchar, Nushki, Dalbandin, Mastung, and Kharan, observed a shutterdown strike. This was in protest against state oppression and brutality during the Baloch National Gathering and the imposition of curfew in Makran, including Gwadar.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) stated that the state cannot stop the struggle against the Baloch genocide through force, violence, or false propaganda. They emphasized that this struggle will end the Baloch genocide.
On Saturday, caravans carrying several Balochi people departed from various districts for Gwadar to participate in the gathering. The organizers alleged harassment and intimidation by the state, but the Baloch were determined to join the historic event. Pakistani forces detained several organizers and volunteers in a crackdown ahead of the gathering.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and the police had previously announced that the state’s authority would not be challenged and that force would be used to prevent the gathering. Activist Mahrang Baloch urged resistance, stating it was not a time to be silent.
Fourteen members of the BYC were injured after coming under fire at Mastung. The injured accused security forces of opening fire, while Kalat Deputy Commissioner Shayak Baloch claimed the BYC convoy attacked a Levies checkpoint. A hospital spokesperson reported that five of the injured were in critical condition.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee accused the state army and police of attacking peaceful convoys and arresting over 200 people bound for Gwadar. However, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind denied these claims, stating that no such orders were given by the Chief Minister or the provincial government. He emphasized that peaceful protest is a right, but the administration has the right to choose the place under the law.
The government imposed Section 144 of the Constitution on Saturday in Quetta, banning all types of gatherings, processions, and rallies, and sealing all roads leading to the ‘Red Zone’.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in Pakistan. It’s known for its unique culture and history.
Khuzdar and Kalat -: Khuzdar and Kalat are cities in Balochistan. They are important places in the region.
Strike -: A strike is when people stop working to protest something they think is unfair.
State oppression -: State oppression means the government is being unfair or harsh to the people.
Baloch National Gathering -: The Baloch National Gathering is a meeting where Baloch people come together to discuss their issues.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is a group that supports the rights of Baloch people.
Baloch genocide -: Baloch genocide refers to the belief that Baloch people are being unfairly treated and harmed by the government.
Harassment -: Harassment means bothering or troubling someone in a mean way.
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a port city in Balochistan, important for trade and business.
Activist -: An activist is someone who works to bring about social or political change.
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a person who speaks out for the rights of Baloch people.
Detentions -: Detentions mean being held or kept by the police or authorities.
Section 144 -: Section 144 is a law that stops people from gathering in large groups to prevent trouble.
Quetta -: Quetta is the capital city of Balochistan.
