July 29, 2024
Staff Report
LAHORE:
The leaders of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have decided to convert the rally into a sit-in Gwadar until their demands are met.
The BYC organized a ‘Baloch Raji Machi’ (Baloch National Gathering) rally on Sunday, July 28, to protest against enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
On Saturday, security forces stopped convoys from different areas of Balochistan travelling to Gwadar, resulting in clashes between the forces and BYC supporters.
A BYC representative told Voicepk that two of their members were killed, over 20 injured, and many taken into custody by security forces.
Condemning the killings, Munir Kakar, a member of the Pakistan Bar Council (Balochistan seat), informed that lawyer bodies in Balochistan would boycott court proceedings on Monday to show solidarity with the BYC.
In light of the deaths and arrests, the ongoing gathering in Gwadar has transitioned into a sit-in until their demands are met. The demands include the release of all arrested individuals, the reopening of all roads leading to Gwadar, and the full restoration of network services.
Addressing the sit-in, BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch vowed to continue their struggle for the rights of the Baloch people and the protection of the province’s resources.
Despite barriers, hundreds of people, including women, are participating in the gathering on Marine Drive in Gwadar.