Police in Panjgur, Balochistan, resorted to tear gas to control protesters as a shutter-down strike continued for the third day. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) called for the strike to protest the arrests of its leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch. Similar strikes were observed in various cities across Balochistan.
Mahrang Baloch’s Arrest Sparks Outrage
BYC’s chief organiser, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, along with 16 other activists, was arrested from a protest camp in Quetta on Saturday. This came a day after the group claimed that three protesters had died due to police action.
BYC Condemns State Violence
In a post on X, the BYC accused security forces of using violence against peaceful protesters. “The Panjgur protest has entered its third day amid state repression,” the group said, highlighting the use of tear gas and firing to disperse demonstrators.
Family Faces Restrictions on Meeting Mahrang Baloch
Mahrang Baloch’s family has faced difficulties in meeting her. Her sister, Nadia Baloch, reported that only she was allowed to meet Mahrang after pleading for three hours, while her younger sister, Iqra, was denied access. Nadia shared that Mahrang remains strong and urged her people to continue their peaceful protests.
International Support for Mahrang Baloch
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai expressed concern over Mahrang’s detention, calling for her immediate release. International human rights lawyer Kurtulus Bastimar announced plans to take the matter to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Mahrang’s Message: Stay Strong and Peaceful
During her brief meeting with her family, Mahrang urged the Baloch people to stay strong and continue their peaceful struggle for justice. “We have to remain united and raise our voices so that the world understands our legitimate demands,” she told her family.
