Hanna Urak sit-in ends after talks with Balochistan govt

CM Bugti promises compensation, jobs and education for victims' families; all abductees recovered

QUETTA:

The five-day protest sit-in on Quetta's Airport Road against the Hanna Urak tragedy was peacefully called off on Friday following successful negotiations between Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the protest committee.

Participants immediately removed their protest tents and camps after the agreement. The Airport Road, which had remained blocked for five days, was fully reopened for all kinds of traffic.

CM Bugti held detailed talks with the protest committee, heirs of the martyrs and tribal elders. The meeting was also attended by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Quetta Division Commissioner Shahzeb Kakar, Special Assistant to CM on Information Shahid Rind, and other senior officials.

Rind said the negotiations with the protest committee were successful. The heirs expressed confidence in CM Bugti’s assurances and announced the end of the protest.

Speaking on the occasion, Bugti said he had been in constant contact with the protest committee since the first day and had made every possible effort for a peaceful, dignified and lasting resolution of the issue.

“I have a long-standing relationship of respect and trust with the affected families and their elders, which will continue in the future as well,” he said.

He assured that if any lapse or mistake occurred at any level from the government’s side, it would be acknowledged and corrected. The affected families would be provided every possible relief and support.

The chief minister revealed that important decisions were taken in the Balochistan Apex Committee meeting in the presence of the prime minister and chief of defence forces, adding that full implementation of those decisions would be ensured.

He announced that the heirs of the martyrs of the Hann Urak incident would receive financial compensation, government jobs would be provided to family members, and the Balochistan government would bear all educational expenses of the martyrs’ children.

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Bugti reiterated the government’s resolve to take every possible step for the protection of lives and property of the people and to establish lasting peace in the province.

It may be recalled that on July 5, unidentified armed men attacked the Hann Urak area of Kili Babri on the outskirts of Quetta, killing five civilians, injuring eight others, and abducting 11 people.

In protest, the heirs and locals had blocked the Airport Road for five days, severely affecting city traffic. Meanwhile, Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau confirmed that all 11 abductees were safely recovered. Ten were freed on Thursday night while one was released a day earlier. All were taken to Quetta safely.

The health minister also confirmed the recovery, saying it was made possible through the joint efforts of the Balochistan government, law enforcement agencies and tribal elders.