Trigger-happy cops gun down youth in Quetta

A youth was killed and another wounded by personnel of the Police Eagle Squad on Quetta’s Sariyab Road late Wednesday night.The news of the extra-judicial killing spread like wildfire leading to a massive protest by locals and the victim’s families.

They blocked the main Sariyab Road and chanted slogans against police brutality.According to eyewitnesses, policemen belonging to the Eagle Squad opened straight fire on a vehicle near Sadabahar Terminal, injuring two young motorists. One of them identified as Faizan Jattak succumbed to his wounds before being transported to the hospital.

Expressing heartfelt condolence with bereaved family, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal assured that immediate action will be taken against policemen involved in the killing in light of the inquiry report.

He said no one would be allowed to take law in his hands, adding that it was a condemnable and intolerable incident. “Culprits behind the killing will be brought to justice.”  Terming the incident as sad, Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau sought a report from concerned authorities and also ordered an inquiry into the matter. “Indeed it was a regrettable incident,” he said.

Requesting protestors to end their protest, Langau said justice will be served at any cost, adding that the policemen involved in the incident have been arrested and a committee under the supervision of a SSP rank officer has been formed to investigate the matter.Protestors dispersed peacefully after successful negotiations with the local administration and security officials.   

Inspector General Police (IGP) Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Rai has also took notice of the firing incident and ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter.Meanwhile, on behalf of Speaker Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, Balochistan Assembly Secretary wrote a letter to IGP Balochistan regarding the unlawful killing.The letter stated that distinguished members of the provincial assembly approached Speaker Bizenjo to raise the matter with high-ups of the police force.

It added that a comprehensive report should be submitted to the Balochistan Assembly Secretariat at the earliest.Later, a case was lodged under sections 302 and 324 against four policemen of the Eagle Squad at Sariyab Police Station by the injured youth Shahzad. Further investigation into the incident is underway.