For the last few days, divergent viewpoints have resurfaced on social media regarding BYC’s Baloch Raji Muchi and the subsequent decisions the government took to control the crowd from various parts of the province. Among these viewpoints, the most crucial one is that the government is curbing the right of Baloch people to organize a peaceful gathering by any means necessary, even if it means imposing Section 144 in the province, except Gwadar, which restricts people from organizing protests and rallies. In this context, several videos have appeared on social media alleging that the government is ushering in historic brutalities upon the Baloch people. In short, the message of the state’s crackdown on the Baloch people has been disseminated on social media by Baloch activists and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. However, the other side of the spectrum opines that the arguments presented by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee are biased and present a half-baked reality.
To clarify the government’s stance, the CM Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, stated a day before the gathering that he had received intelligence reports indicating possible acts of terrorism, including assassination attempts on key figures involved in organizing the Raji Muchi. Moreover, there were threats to CPEC, Chinese staff, and sensitive installations in Gwadar as well. Therefore, the government officials reached out to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee and its key members, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, to relocate the venue of the gathering and offer them the option of doing so in Turbat. However, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee refused this and insisted on holding the gathering in Gwadar, which intensified the situation and compelled the authorities to take proactive measures and put blockades to restrict the inflow of people.
Despite these efforts, incidents of violence erupted. According to ISPR’s press release, an emotionally charged crowd “assaulted Security Forces’ personnel employed for security duties in Gwadar district. Resultantly, Sepoy Shabbir Baloch (Age: 30 years; resident of: District Sibi) embraced shahadat.” In addition, the press release stated that sixteen soldiers and one officer were also injured. On the other hand, the organizers of BYC and activists have reported several deaths among people who intended to attend the gathering, but the whereabouts and details of the reported deceased individuals are yet to be confirmed.
In short, the province has become a center stage for vague news, with both sides advocating their versions of reality. To address the discord, it is imperative that both the government and BYC come to the dialogue table and reach an agreement, as the province cannot afford any further loss of life or property. The government has already opened the doors for negotiations, as stated by the CM in his talk to the assembly yesterday, urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure peace and stability in the province. The ball is now in BYC’s court.
