Protests erupt in Balochistan; citizens call for justice amid rising terror, inaction

Quetta [Balochistan], October 27 (ANI): Amid ongoing atrocities and lawlessness in Balochistan, a protest took place in Buleda as residents rallied for the immediate arrest of the killers of Fida Hussain, a security guard murdered by death squads during a bank robbery.

A protest erupted in Buleda as residents took to the streets demanding the immediate arrest of the killers of security guard Fida Hussain, who was murdered by death-squads during a robbery at a Bank in Buleda. This protest is not an isolated incident but part of a larger movement… pic.twitter.com/4ee8pSnQfW

— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) October 26, 2024

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee stated on X, "This protest is not an isolated incident but part of a larger movement against the deteriorating security conditions and unchecked violence across Balochistan. In Buleda and Zamuran, death squads operate freely, instilling fear and creating an atmosphere of terror among local communities--a deliberate and systematic approach aimed at erasing Baloch identity and existence."
This demonstration reflects a broader movement against escalating violence and declining security in the region.
Participants from surrounding areas, including Menaz, Salo, and Chub Koshk, marched to Bit Buleda, where many businesses and markets closed in solidarity. Protesters highlighted the plight of Hussain's family, who have been displaced from their homes and now demand justice on the streets.
Local residents condemned the administration's negligence, asserting that they can no longer mourn in silence. "We will take our grief to the streets," declared a protest leader, warning that if authorities fail to act, demonstrations could escalate to include sit-ins along the CPEC route. The protest underscored the lawlessness that has gripped Buleda and Zamuran, where state-sponsored death squads operate unchecked, creating an atmosphere of terror.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) strongly opposed this violence, framing the systematic targeting of Baloch people as a genocidal process.
Earlier on Saturday, residents of Mand in Balochistan's Kech district took to the streets to protest a recent surge in armed robberies and alleged terrorist activities, which they claim are occurring under the cover of darkness.
Protesters alleged that armed groups have been invading their homes and stealing from them, while security forces are reportedly reluctant to intervene, as reported by the Balochistan Post.
Demonstrators expressed frustration, claiming these groups operate with official backing and that political leaders and public representatives are aware of their identities and potential support.
Protesters raised concerns about the origins of the weapons and security resources available to these groups, implying that the wider community is aware of the circumstances.
They cautioned that if their elected representatives do not take decisive action to secure the arrest of these armed groups, they will escalate their demonstrations.
Furthermore, they criticised local security forces for hesitating to file formal complaints (FIRs) against the attackers, asserting that the primary role of security forces should be to protect citizens. However, many officers appear more concerned about their own safety than that of the public. (ANI)