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Violent protests against Baloch leader’s killing continue

By Malik Siraj Akbar

QUETTA: Protests against the killing of Balochistan National Movement (BNM) Central Joint Secretary Rasool Baksh Mengal – who, according to his family members, was arrested by intelligence agencies and subsequently killed – continued for the second day on Tuesday.

The Baloch National Front (BNF) had called for a complete shutter down and wheel jam strike across Balochistan, which was also endorsed by other political parties.

A complete shutter down strike was observed in Kalat, Noshki, Mastung, Awaran, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela. The slain Baloch nationalist leader’s family claim he was taken into custody on August 23 from his residence in Uthal, and his body was found in Lasbela district.

Burn vehicles: Soon after the burial of the leader, the national highway was closed to regular traffic. Angry protestors burnt four vehicles and pelted stones at official buildings at Khuzdar Police Lines.

Lawyers in Balochistan boycotted court proceedings on Tuesday. Protestors in Thump area of Turbat torched three banks and the official residence of a police officer. In another case, a grenade was lobbed at a police station in Thump. In Mashky area of Awaran district, a mob attacked the local telephone exchange and damaged a Qazi court and the official residence of judicial magistrate.

In Mand area of Turbat, hundreds of women took to the streets to protest against the killing. Police arrested dozens people – including those trying to force traders to shutter their shops.

Meanwhile, the BNM has announced three days of mourning, with the BNF announcing it would launch a “violent campaign” to avenge Mengal’s death.

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