Anti-peace forces behind Baluch leaders' killings

Quetta, Apr.9 (ANI): Senior Vice President of the National Party and Senator Hasil Bizenjo on Thursday announced plans for a shutter-down strike and three days of mourning in Balochistan in protest against the slaying of three Baloch leaders in Turbat.

Addressing a news conference here, Bizenjo said that anti-peace forces were responsible for the assassinations of Balochistan National Movement (BNM) President Ghulam Muhammad Baloch, Senior Vice President Lala Munir Ahmed and BRP central leader Sher Muhammad Baloch.

It maybe recalled that all three were abducted on April 2 in Turbat from the office of former provincial opposition leader Kachkol Ali Advocate and their bodies were found six days later in the Paidark area.

"We strongly condemn the killings, what option left for us except to pick up the arms," he said.

Bizenjo further said that war zone was being shifted to Balochistan from Afghanistan while rulers know nothing but to commit suppression against Balochistan people.

The shutter-down threat and period of mourning came hours after one policeman was killed in Khuzdar as riots broke out over the killing of three Baloch leaders.

Angry protesters took to the streets in Quetta and blocked the Karachi-Quetta Highway, while shutter-down strikes were being observed in other towns across the province.

Rioters set ablaze several vehicles, including one belonging to the United Nations.

In a bid to ward off rioters and restore calm, police tear-gassed the protesting students on Sariab road, and have reportedly made several arrests, The News said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani has constituted a three-member tribunal comprising Balochistan High Court judges to probe into killing of the leaders.

He appealed the public to remain calm, and said that unrest could sabotage the reconciliation process in Balochistan.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) has taken suo moto notice of the murder of the Balcoh leaders.

According to sources, Chief Justice Balochistan Sanaullah Yaseen has issued notices to the DPO Turbat, DPO Panjgur, SHO of concerned police station and the interior secretary to explain the incident and why nothing was done to ensure the security of these prominent politicians. (ANI)