Protest demonstrations, roadblocks, and clashes between protesters and security forces persisted in Quetta, Gwadar, and other parts of Balochistan on Friday, revealing a growing distrust between the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the provincial administration following a recently signed agreement.
Government officials in Balochistan asserted that numerous protesters and BYC supporters were released as per the agreement, placing the responsibility on the BYC to halt the protests. However, the BYC countered, stating that the situation had further deteriorated in the Noshki area, highlighting clashes that erupted after the blockage of highways and roads.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a leader of BYC, declared that sit-ins and roadblocks across the province would persist until the agreement was fully enforced. Despite government claims of releasing their supporters, BYC alleged that many of their workers and supporters remained in custody.
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Concurrently, a senior Home Department official confirmed the release of around 80 arrested individuals after the government accepted BYC’s demands, expressing concern about the potential escalation of the situation if untoward incidents were to occur. However, communication challenges arising from suspended internet and mobile phone services hindered the complete collection of information about the negotiations.
In an effort to counter conflicting reports, Balochistan’s public relations department stated that negotiations between the government and BYC had been successful, resulting in the BYC calling off its sit-ins. The statement outlined various agreements reached during the talks, including the release of all arrested BYC supporters and the restoration of mobile and internet services.
While the BYC claimed that the suspension of internet and mobile services hindered their communication, they confirmed that peaceful protests continued in Quetta.
