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Strike in Gwadar as BNP-M Calls for Long March Over BYC Crackdown
A strike shuts down Gwadar and coastal Balochistan as BNP-M protests arrests of BYC leaders. Akhtar Mengal announces a long march on March 28.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-25
Strike in Gwadar as BNP-M Calls for Long March Over BYC Crackdown

A complete shutter-down strike was observed in Gwadar and other coastal cities of Balochistan on Tuesday in response to the Balochistan National Party-Mengal’s (BNP-M) call to support the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) against the recent police crackdown and arrests of its leaders.

Markets, banks, shops, and petrol pumps remained closed in protest against the arrest and cases registered against prominent BYC women leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebo Baloch, and Sammi Deen Baloch.

Similar strikes were reported in Ormara, 270 kilometers from Gwadar, where the traders’ association led a complete shutter-down protest. Businesses also remained closed in Pasni, a coastal town 142 km from Gwadar.

Crackdown on BYC Protests

The protests follow the Karachi police’s recent detention of BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch and several others during a demonstration against the government’s crackdown on BYC’s Quetta sit-in.

Tensions escalated last Friday when police dispersed BYC protesters on Sariab Road, Quetta, using tear gas, water cannons, and blank gunfire. The BYC had staged the sit-in to protest alleged enforced disappearances, including that of its leader Bebarg Baloch.

Both sides reported casualties, with the BYC claiming three deaths and 13 injuries, while the police stated that 10 personnel were injured in the clashes. The situation intensified further when BYC chief organizer Mahrang Baloch was arrested on Saturday and charged under anti-terrorism laws along with 150 others.

Following the arrests, widespread protests erupted across Balochistan, with shutter-down strikes observed in Quetta, Panjgur, Kalat, Turbat, Mastung, Kharan, Chaghi, Dalbandin, and Dhadar over the weekend.

BNP-M Calls for Long March

In response to the crackdown, BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal announced a long march on March 28, demanding the release of BYC leaders.

In a post on X, Mengal declared:

“I announce a long march from Wadh to Quetta, against the arrest of our daughters and the desecration of our mothers and sisters.”

“I will lead this march myself and invite all Baloch brothers and sisters, young and old, to join us.”

Mengal described the arrests as an attack on “national dignity, honor, and existence,” vowing not to remain silent until the detained activists are freed.

The BYC welcomed the BNP-M’s decision, calling it a “commendable step” in their ongoing struggle.

As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are on Balochistan, where protests and political mobilization are gaining momentum against the government’s handling of the situation.
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