Govt faults political parties for Chaman flare-up

As the border town of Chaman remains on tenterhooks after three days of violent clashes between protesters and police, Balochistan’s home minister defended the government’s handling of the situation and blamed some political parties for exasperating the standoff. 

The previous caretaker government had enforced passport regulations for cross-border movement, sparking a marathon protest sit-in by local businessmen and workers in the Pak-Afghan border town whose economy depends on trade with the neighbouring country.

Defending the government policy on Saturday, Home Minister Meer Zaiullah Langau shared purported evidence of terrorist activities allegedly facilitated by the earlier policy, which allowed free movement of people on both sides of the border.

The minister expressed deep sorrow over the death of a child and offered condolences to the bereaved family. He, however, criticised local political parties and accused them of exacerbating tensions rather than serving as a bridge between the government and protesters. 

He urged the people of Chaman to seek political avenues for resolving their issues and to stay away from elements stoking unrest in the town.

Meanwhile, a tense calm prevailed in the border town on Saturday after a turbulent week.

Despite the calm, security measures were visibly heightened. The streets, typically bustling with daily commotion, were under the vigilant watch of patrolling security forces, including police and levies, tasked with maintaining law and order.

Parallel to the quietude, the city's heartbeat was marked by the steadfast presence of protesters, who have been calling for an end to restrictions that have long influenced their cross-border movements and daily lives.

The situation in Chaman escalated last week when participants of the marathon sit-in allegedly attacked the deputy commissioner’s office. Subsequently, authorities launched a crackdown, arresting the alleged attackers and lodging cases against them.

A recent explosion in the area resulted in injuries to security personnel, further complicating the crisis.