QUETTA, Dec 19: Shops and business houses in Quetta and other districts of Balochistan were closed on Friday on a strike call given by the Baloch Republican Party in protest against continued military operation in the province.

In Dera Bugti, protesters were baton-charged by security personnel who also fired teargas to disperse them.

The strike supported by the Anjuman Ittehad Marri, Balochistan National Party-Mengal and National Party, was observed in Nushki, Kharan, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Hub, Panjgur, Turbat, Bolan, Sibi, Dera Murad Jamali, Dera Allahyar and Dera Bugti.In a statement, the BRP criticised the government for using force against the protesters and alleged that about 20 activists of the party had been arrested in Dera Bugti, Loti and Pirkoh areas.

The statement thanked the business community for observing the strike and said that its success reflected the confidence of the people in the struggle of the BRP for protecting the coast and resources of Balochistan.

It said hundreds of Baloch youths had been killed and arrested in the military operation launched in March of 2005.

The BRP vowed to continue its armed struggle for the rights of the Baloch people.