Students Protest at Bolan Medical College in Quetta

In Quetta, Pakistan, students from Bolan Medical College have been protesting for 27 days against the closure of their college and hostels. They are also protesting the alleged occupation of hostels by security forces and reported violence against students. Despite the cold weather, the students remain at the college's main gate, demanding their academic rights and an end to what they call unjust treatment.

The students claim that the closure has disrupted their education and put their future at risk. They are calling for the reopening of classrooms and hostels and action against police officers accused of raiding the campus and engaging in violence. Student organizations have criticized the "militarization" of educational institutions, accusing authorities of using campuses for non-educational purposes and creating divisions among Baloch and Pashtun students.

To escalate their protest, students organized a rally at Golimar Chowk, chanting slogans against the college administration and provincial government for their perceived inaction. They demand the immediate restoration of educational institutions across Balochistan and an end to the crackdown on students. The students have vowed to continue their struggle until their demands are met, warning that they will expand their protests to other cities if authorities do not address their concerns.

Violence erupted at the college following a dispute over hostel room allotment, leading to clashes between student groups. Police reportedly used tear gas to disperse the students, resulting in six injuries and 12 arrests. In response, the college principal suspended all academic activities for two weeks and closed the hostel.