Shutterdown strike observed in several parts of Balochistan
QUETTA (6 AM Report):Shutterdown strike was observed in several cities of Balochistan on Wednesday against “state oppression” and “atrocities” committed in the province for the last 70 years.
Photos shared by the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee, one of the organisers of the Baloch long march against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Islamabad, showed deserted streets as businesses remained closed in Gaddani, Nohski, Khuzdar, Turbat and other areas.
A day earlier, Baloch protesters — who have been camping in freezing cold outside the National Press Club in Islamabad — called for a shutterdown demonstration across the country after their seven-day ultimatum to the government expired.
Their demands included the release of all protesters detained during police action, detailed investigation into rights violations in Balochistan, elimination of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, release of all victims of enforced disappearances, restrictions on the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and elimination of “state-sponsored death squads”.
Last night, the BYC said the state had failed to negotiate with the protesters and announced that a press conference would be held at 3pm today.