No force can undermine our spirit: BNP criticizes Pak government for obstructing peaceful demonstration
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Synopsis
The Balochistan National Party (BNP) criticizes the Pakistani government for blocking access to a peaceful march from Wadh to Quetta. BNP leader Akhtar Mengal emphasizes the unyielding spirit of protestors against state oppression, despite roadblocks and arrests.
Key Takeaways
- BNP's condemnation of government actions.
- Section 144 imposed in Balochistan.
- Internet services suspended across the region.
- Protestors remain determined despite police crackdowns.
- BNP leader Mengal highlights the resilience of the Baloch people.
Quetta, March 29 (NationPress) The Balochistan National Party (BNP) condemned the Federal government on Saturday for obstructing key access routes and placing containers as they initiated a lengthy peaceful march from Wadh to Quetta to protest the unlawful detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists.
Numerous BYC leaders, such as Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, faced arrest during a harsh police crackdown. BNP leader Akhtar Mengal asserted that roadblocks and intimidation cannot dissuade the Baloch populace from voicing their dissent against oppression, as reported by local media.
In the meantime, the provincial government imposed Section 144, prohibiting all political and social assemblies throughout Balochistan, citing security concerns.
The Pakistani authorities have also suspended internet access across Balochistan, disrupting mobile signals in Quetta and many other districts, hampering communication, according to the Pakistani newspaper, The Express Tribune.
Despite these limitations, the demonstrators remain steadfast in their objectives. As the long march from Wadh to Quetta commenced, party leader Mengal conveyed a message on social media criticizing the Pakistani authorities for their disgraceful attempts to impede the peaceful march through shelling and gunfire aimed at the participants.
Numerous march attendees were also taken into custody.
He mentioned that nails were scattered across the road, posing a risk to the lives of peaceful protesters, adding that no force, no intimidation, can shake their determination.
"We are currently at Lakpass, where all entrances have been obstructed with containers. Participants in the long march from Quetta have been arrested and subjected to heavy shelling. My senior leadership is being directly shelled and fired upon. We are strong, we are resolute in our mission, and above all, we are peaceful. No force, no intimidation, can shake our morale, nor divert us from our path," Mengal posted on X on Saturday.
"In a shocking and disgraceful attempt to obstruct our peaceful long march, nails have been thrown across the road near Pir Omar, Khuzdar. This act not only jeopardizes the lives of peaceful protesters but also underscores the sheer desperation and cowardice of those attempting to silence our movement," he stated in another post.
"Occasionally, the decisions being made are so ridiculous that one can only laugh. Let it be known -- regardless of the obstacles, our resolve remains unshaken. We will march ahead with dignity and determination," he added.
Recently, the BYC took to the streets against state brutality and enforced disappearances while demanding the release of the detained Baloch leaders.
However, during a police crackdown, numerous individuals, including BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch, were apprehended for allegedly breaching section 144.
Later, the Sindh government detained Sammi Deen Baloch and four others for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) shortly after a judicial magistrate in Karachi court ordered her release, along with four other activists, regarding the violation of Section 144.
The Quetta police have so far filed seven cases, including one of terrorism, against over 500 BYC leaders and activists, including Mahrang Baloch, at four different police stations.
Pakistan has accused Mahrang Baloch and several other activists of terrorism after she led a sit-in protest against the illegal arrest and unlawful police remand of the relatives of victims of enforced disappearances.
