FC personnel blocking a road where protestors burnt tires in Quetta. PHOTO: SHEHZAD BALOCH/EXPRESS
QUETTA: At least one person was killed and another was injured on Wednesday when enraged protesters, linked to religious groups, opened fire while forcing shopkeepers and traders to close their shops in Liaquat Bazaar.
Within an hour after the protests began, Quetta wore a deserted look as all shops, eateries and trading centers were forced to close down. Protesters and law enforcement agencies were seen in large numbers at Mezan Chowk, in downtown Quetta.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Abdul Razzaq Cheema said that after the incident in Liaquat Bazaar, heavy contingents of police and law enforcers were deployed in the affected areas and that the situation was comparatively peaceful since.
The protesters had also torched a motorbike and burned tyres on Jinnah Road, Prince Road, Mezan Chowk, Prince Road and Alamdar Road.
“Protestors torched two motorbikes and opened fire that is why police have lobbed teargas shells,” Cheema explained police action.
The injured were taken to Provincial Sandeman Hospital where two of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
The deceased was identified as 20-year-old Zin ul Abideen. He was reportedly taking part in the protest in which shopkeepers were being forced to close their shops.
“Police have launched a investigation into the violence related incidents in Quetta with the help of footages collected from CCTV cameras and other sources,” Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Abdul Razzaq Cheema told The Express Tribune.
The Quetta police chief said all the religious parties have assured the police that they will cooperate for maintaining peace. “Everyone is saying that they have nothing to do with the violent protest of Wednesday. We collected some footages and photos that will help us to trace the people.”
Wednesday's protests were a continuation of smaller protest on Tuesday by religious groups.
COMMENTS (19)
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@Ali Zaid: so since someone was burning the picture posters made the comrades to force shopkeepers shutting their business! what a reason! I sincerely and and honestly suggest your comrades: don't do that again. I know for a fact that people in Karachi are fed-up with your road-blockings and can imagine how they must be feeling in Quetta. ET: you won! But I dare it once again, you publish this comment.
Looks like that this incident is nothing to do with Shia Genoice, or might be self-defeating, which is why ET fell short of naming the religious group! I dare ET, you publish this comment.
it were the miscreant terrorists of Sipah Sahaba aka ASWJ who were trying to attack Hazara Shia Community near Alamdar Road. They burnt picture posters of martyrs of January'13 & February'13 blasts.
The reason for the protest is so ridiculous, I think it may be a new low for our country. I am not surprised ET did not publish it. We may become more of a laughing stock for international world. I replied earlier with the reasons but it has not been posted here yet.
You don't disperse people who just fired at shopkeepers and tried to close their stores - you toss them in jail.
So namaloom protestors with namaloom demands shut down a whole city. Great news reporting ET, again.
How bias ET is for not reporting the reason.
Frank Observer??? More like Broken Record!
"FC Personnel blocking the road." says it all. The territory is in full control of the Army and people are fed up. When will the Army return to barracks? When will the Army cease its economic activities and close its bank and financial entitites.
ET, how come you're not blaming IK for this? Surely, he's to blame for all the problems in the country.
Which Religious Group on Earth!!!! This reporter does not know the abc of his trade.
What is the point of this news story. Who are these religious protesters and why are they protesting? is that too much to ask?
This is not reporting . thus is hysterics. How can the reporter assume I know Quetta is a troubled city. Its like urdu pak television in print.
Wow. Talk about incomplete news. What was the protest about?
the report is still incomplete as no reason was given for the trouble neither absence of this info was acknowledged... Sorry but I do not think its a nice piece of reporting such a reporting just creates kiosk and confusion
Anyone know why they are protesting?
Which protesters ?
But what was the cause of this serious tension that a whole town came to stand still?
Friends in Quetta report that they have not heard such heavy firing in past 20 years