By Staff Reporter
QUETTA: At least three people were killed and several injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Sunday, as a massive gathering defied roadblocks and a communications blackout to demand rights and protection of resources, local media reported.
The violence erupted when security personnel stopped a convoy at the Talar check-post, resulting in two deaths and injuries, officials said. Authorities claimed security forces were defending themselves against a mob attack.
A third person died and eight were injured in clashes that erupted when authorities used teargas to disperse people gathered on Marine Drive in Gwadar, health authorities confirmed. At least 20 people were arrested.
“We have received three bodies and eight injured persons in the hospital,” a senior health official said, adding that two of the injured were shifted to Turbat.
Despite roadblocks, thousands made their way to Marine Drive for the Baloch Rajee Muchi (Baloch National Gathering), which was organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
BYC leader Mahrang Baloch vowed to continue the struggle for Baloch rights and resource protection, demanding justice for the killed protesters and release of detainees.
“The killers of the Baloch people should be arrested and brought to justice,” she said, announcing a sit-in until detainees were freed. “Until the release of our people, the sit-in will continue at Marine Drive.”
The region witnessed a complete shutter-down strike, with roads and highways leading to Gwadar blocked throughout the day. Sit-ins were staged at least 14 locations along highways and inter-provincial roads.
Leaders of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) and the National Party condemned the use of force against peaceful supporters of the BYC.
“People in Gwadar are still demanding potable water… The government should allow peaceful protests,” said BNP leader Sajid Tareen Advocate, alleging that the Baloch and Pashtun people were being deliberately marginalized.
National Party leaders Aslam Baloch and Kalsoom Niaz Baloch held the Balochistan government responsible for the political instability, alleging that non-political forces were taking advantage of the situation.
Amnesty International called on Pakistani authorities to lift the internet shutdown and facilitate people’s right to peaceful protest.
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