Soldier martyred in Gwadar 'mob attack'

CM offers negotiations to BYC leader amid Balochistan-wide strike call

RAWALPINDI/ GWADAR:

A soldier was martyred and 16 other servicemen, including an officer, were injured in an assault by a mob in Gwadar district, the military said on Monday as organisers of a Baloch protest march called for a Balochistan-wide strike against the "arrest of nearly two dozen activists."

Amid the escalation, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti denounced the protest as a conspiracy against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and warned that no one would be allowed to hold the state hostage. However, he invited Dr Mahrang Baloch, who is leading the protest, for talks to assuage their grievances.

According to the military's media wing, the mob, identified as members of the so-called "Baloch Raji Muchi" (Baloch national gathering) assaulted security personnel, resulting in the martyrdom of Sepoy Shabbir Baloch, 30, from Sibi district. One officer and 15 soldiers were also injured in the assault.

"Security forces have displayed extreme restraint to avoid unwarranted civilian casualties despite provocations," said the ISPR. "The violent actions of the mob are unacceptable, and those responsible will be brought to justice."

Social media has been flooded with doctored images and videos, spreading fake and malicious propaganda to garner sympathy and support for the unlawful march, the ISPR said and urged citizens not to "fall prey to propaganda."

The military also urged people to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies to maintain public safety and order. "Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace and stability in Balochistan," the statement added.

Participants of the protest, organised by Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), have been demonstrating for the last two days in the port city, blocking a highway to press their demands. A government official told AFP on condition of anonymity that attempts by the people to bypass roadblocks and join the protest led to clashes.

"One civilian protester, a shopkeeper in Gwadar, was killed in the clash," the official said, adding that the man was killed on Sunday. Authorities have imposed a communication blackout in parts of Balochistan, and blocked roads to prevent people from joining the demonstrations.

The protest organisers claimed that one person was killed in Gwadar, and two others were killed at another protest site. The Balochistan government said that more than 20 people had been arrested in Gwadar but did not comment on reported deaths or injuries.

The BYC converted the protest rally into a sit-in and called for protests across the province against the "arrest of several of its members" in Gwadar amid allegations of "excessive use of force" by law enforcers.

BYC leader Dr Mahrang Baloch said that the situation in Gwadar was tense, and communication networks were down. She claimed that the whereabouts of those arrested remained unknown, and reports suggested that the bodies of deceased protesters are being held in hospitals.

Balochistan's chief minister, meanwhile, condemned what he called a conspiracy against the multibillion-dollar CPEC. "The state will not be held hostage by anyone, but for the sake of peace, we once again invite Mahrang Baloch for negotiations," he said, while speaking on the floor of the provincial assembly. "We are ready to hold negotiations to find an amicable solution of the protest," he added.

Home Minister Ziaullah Langove also chaired an important meeting with senior police and administration officials of Gwadar. The meeting was informed that the law-enforcement personnel effectively controlled the situation. Officials confirmed that 20 people have been arrested.

(WITH INPUT FROM AFP)