QUETTA: Widespread protests, sit-ins, and roadblocks in various districts of Balochistan on Tuesday, sparked by a crackdown on a protest in Gwadar, severely disrupted normal life and isolated the province from the rest of the country.

Protests continued in multiple towns and cities, including Gwadar, with reports of attacks on government officials, including a women’s police station, resulting in injuries to cops.

A large number of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) supporters continued their sit-in on Gwadar’s Marine Drive, where clashes with security forces have led to the deaths of at least one soldier and three protesters over the past three days.

According to Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, the soldier was killed by an unruly mob pelting stones. Following a high-level meeting in Gwadar, Mr Langove claimed the situation was under control after dispersing the public meeting addressed by Dr Mahrang Baloch on Sunday.

However, thousands of people gathered at Marine Drive on Tuesday, prompted by rumors of her arrest, and staged a sit-in.

The spread of these rumours led to reactions from BYC supporters and workers in other cities and towns, who blocked highways and inter-provincial roads, cutting off Balochistan from other provinces. Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Hamoodur Rehman denied the arrest of Dr Mahrang and Seemi Deen, attributing the rumours to deliberate social media ‘misinformation’ campaign, aimed at worsening the situation.

The BYC leadership did not confirm the arrests, but reported the arrest of a local leader, Hussain Ashraf, from his home. A home department official stated Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti had ordered that no women be arrested.

However, protesters reportedly beat a security official, while an unruly mob also attacked the B&R offices in Gwadar, officials claimed.

Meanwhile, BYC protesters, including women, staged sit-ins at Serena Roundabout and other areas in Quetta, severely affecting traffic.

A shutter-down strike was observed in multiple towns and cities, including Chagai, Noshki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Nokundi, Mastung, Kalat, and Khuzdar. Main highways, such as Quetta-Karachi and Quetta-Taftan, remained closed.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2024