Islamabad, March 22 (HS): The strike initiated by the Baloch Unity Committee (BYC) in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, has had a substantial effect today. Shops remained closed since morning, with reports of arson in various districts. Mobile services in Quetta were halted last night, while data services were disabled earlier.

The BYC reported that police and security forces arrested senior leaders and other demonstrators at the protest site this morning. The security forces' aggressive actions began around 5:30 AM, impacting Baloch women, children, and peaceful protesters.

A report from Dawn highlighted the situation in Quetta, known as the Garden of Fruits. The BYC, which monitors human rights violations in Pakistan, has galvanized against the federal and provincial governments due to ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan.

The report indicated that protests against the abduction of missing persons were met with police violence, resulting in the injury of ten officers according to government claims. However, the BYC contended that three members were killed and 13 injured in the crackdown.

Dr. Mehrang Baloch, the BYC's leader, called for a province-wide strike against police violence, planning to stage a sit-in on Sariab Road with the deceased bodies. Security forces reportedly took the bodies from the protest site, leading to further arrests.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar