Baloch marchers stopped from entering Islamabad

Protesters block main thoroughfare leading to federal capital

KARACHI:

The participants of a long march from Quetta to Islamabad – staged in protest against the alleged extra-judicial killing of Balach Baloch -- on Wednesday were stopped from entering the federal capital.

In retaliation, the protesters, mainly women and children, blocked the main thoroughfare leading to Islamabad. The roads leading to Islamabad were blocked prior to the arrival of the protesters.

Clips shared on social media showed Mahrang Baloch, a member of the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), warning the Islamabad police that the marchers would not stop even if they resorted to baton-charging them.

She said that they would not return as they had travelled a long distance to reach their destination. The BYC launched a long march from Turbat to the provincial capital against the officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) responsible for the broad daylight murder of the innocent man.

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The family members and the BYC accused the CTD of extra-judicial killing. The charge was vehemently denied by the CTD. A CTD spokesman said Balach was killed during an armed clash between miscreants and security forces on Pasni Road, Turbat.

The Balochistan government formed an inquiry committee to probe into the incident. Noor Ahmed Pirkani, a senior officer of the provincial government is leading the investigation team.

The Balochistan High Court has also ordered the suspension of four CTD personnel. A case was also registered against them. Earlier upon reaching Quetta, the protesters were trying to enter its Red Zone. However, the baton-wielding policemen pushed them back.

“I want justice for my son who was innocent and not involved in terrorism,” Mola Bakhsh, father of Balach said. They staged a protest demonstration at the Quetta’s Sariab Road before starting their journey again.