Pakistan: Baloch protesters accuse government of not adhering to peace deal

The Baloch protests continued for the seventh night in a row over the recently signed agreement between the Balochistan provincial administration and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), Pakistan-based daily Dawn reported.

Amid clashes and road blockades between the two sides, a Baloch government official said that as per the agreement, 80 protesters and BYC supporters detained in Gwadar have been released, and more will be released in the future. The onus is now on the BYC to end the protests, reports Dawn.

Denying the government’s claims, the BYC said highways and roads were blocked in the Noshki area due to the clashes, Dawn reported.

In a post on X, BYC said, “The sit-in continues for the 7th night. After the brutal crackdown against Baloch Raji Muchi, the sit-in continues in Padizir. Despite ongoing negotiations, the state is intensifying its crackdown on peaceful protesters across Pakistan, leading to a rise in the number of civilian casualties and injuries. These brutal acts reveal their intent to suppress the peaceful Baloch movement against genocide. However, if they believe that the Baloch people will give up their fight for basic human rights and dignity, they are mistaken. We will never succumb to the violent and oppressive tactics of this fascist state. The Baloch movement against genocide will continue until the last Baloch stands. #Gwadar is under siege #We support BalochRajiMuchi #BalochNationalAssembly”

The sit-in protest continues for the seventh night. After the brutal crackdown on Baloch Raji Muchi, the sit-in movement continues in Padijir. Despite ongoing negotiations, the state is intensifying its crackdown on peaceful protesters across Pakistan, leading to an increase in violence. pic.twitter.com/bC29KHhbrL

— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) August 2, 2024

BYC leader Mehrang Baloch said the protests will continue until all their demands are met. he/she said many of his/her supporters are still in custody, reports Dawn.

A senior home department official told Dawn that the BYC leaders had given an assurance to end the protest by 11 am on Friday. “The notification of withdrawal of the FIR was handed over to the BYC leaders late last night,” he/she said.

Quoting a statement from Balochistan’s public relations department, Dawn reported that the talks between the BYC and the government were successful; following which the BYC withdrew its protest. “It was decided that those against whom FIRs have been registered will be released by August 5 after completing the judicial process,” it said.

The statement said that no protester would be harassed, all their belongings would be returned to them and mobile and internet services would be restored.