More Than 250 BNP Activists Detained During Protest Against Pakistan Government
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Synopsis
On March 29, over 250 followers of the Balochistan National Party faced arrest during their peaceful long march to Quetta, protesting against the unlawful detainment of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders. The BNP condemned the government's actions and emphasized their commitment to peaceful protest amidst rising tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Over 250 BNP activists arrested.
- Protest against illegal detentions of BYC leaders.
- Government criticized for blocking access points.
- Intense police response with tear gas and shelling.
- BYP and activists demand accountability for state violence.
Quetta, March 29 (NationPress) More than 250 activists from the Balochistan National Party (BNP) were detained on Saturday while participating in a peaceful long march to Quetta, protesting the unlawful detention of leaders and activists from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
The demonstrators were apprehended near Mastung in the Balochistan province, as reported by local media on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, the BNP criticized the Federal government for deploying containers and blocking significant entry points as they initiated their peaceful march from Wadh to Quetta. The party leadership was anticipated to declare their future strategy on Saturday amidst the intense crackdown.
"The security forces resorted to heavy tear gas shelling against participants gathered near Lakpass, Quetta. To this point, over 250 political workers from the BNP have been detained, and numerous individuals have been injured due to the actions of the security forces," the BNP posted on X on Saturday.
The party leader, Akhtar Mengal, shared a message on social media condemning the Pakistani authorities for their disgraceful efforts to impede the peaceful march through shelling and firing upon the participants.
"We are currently at Lakpass, where all entrances have been obstructed with containers. March participants from Quetta have been detained and are facing intense shelling. My senior leadership is also directly under fire. We are resilient, determined in our mission, and above all, peaceful. No force, no coercion, can undermine our spirit or divert us from our course," Mengal posted on X on Saturday.
"In a shocking and disgraceful attempt to obstruct our peaceful long march, nails have been scattered across the road near Pir Omar, Khuzdar. This act endangers the lives of peaceful demonstrators and reflects the sheer desperation and cowardice of those attempting to silence our movement," he stated in another post.
"Sometimes, the decisions being made are so absurd that one can only laugh. Let it be known — regardless of the obstacles, our determination remains intact. We will proceed with dignity and determination," he added.
Recently, the BYC has taken to the streets against state brutality and enforced disappearances, demanding the release of detained Baloch leaders.
Several BYC leaders, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, were arrested during a brutal police crackdown for protesting against state brutality and enforced disappearances.
Subsequently, the Sindh government detained Sammi Deen Baloch and four others for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) soon after a judicial magistrate in Karachi ordered their release, along with four other activists, concerning a violation of Section 144.
