November 23, 2007	Friday	Ziqa’ad 12, 1428

QUETTA, Nov 22: A strike was observed in the central and southern parts of Balochistan on Thursday while clashes took place in Quetta and some other towns between police and youths protesting against the killing of nationalist leader Mir Balach Khan Marri.

Police arrested at least 85 people in raids in the provincial capital following incidents of firing, hurling of hand-grenades and killing of two policemen and three civilians on Wednesday night.

All schools, colleges and the Balochistan University remained closed. The university has postponed all examinations of MA, MSc, BA and BSc for an indefinite period.

Police constables Sabir and Naiz were injured when they came under fire while patroll-ing in Khatan Nadi area in Khuzdar.

A complete strike was observed in Gwadar, Panjgur, Nushki, Khuzdar, Awaran, Turbat, Kharan, Mastung, Sibi, Pasni, Jewani and Kalat. The business community responded positively to a strike call given by the Balochistan National Party (Mengal).

The party has announced a three-day mourning for Balach Marri.

In Quetta, shops remained closed in Sariab and Brewery Road areas, while business was normal in the main bazaars.

In Sariab area, groups of youths pelted police and vehicles with stones. They burnt tyres on the Sariab and Brewery Roads and disrupted traffic for some time.

A group of protesters attacked the office of the mines and minerals department on Sariab Road, broke its windowpanes and damaged a vehicle.

They also tried to attack the office of the Quetta Development Authority and threw stones at the building.

In Pasni, police used tear gas to disperse a procession of women activists and students.

Students of the Nushki Degree College blocked the Quetta-Taftan highway and pelted vehicles of law-enforcing agencies with stones.