GWADAR: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has decided to end its protest in Gwadar, Balochistan’s interior minister confirmed on Friday after the two sides signed a seven-point agreement.
BYC has been holding protests at Marine Drive in Gwadar and other areas for almost a week to condemn alleged human rights violations against the people of Balochistan, enforced disappearances and alleged extrajudicial killings of Baloch people.
As Dawn.com earlier reported, clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, killing three protesters and injuring at least 24 others. BYC leader Dr Mahrang Baloch claimed that security operatives arrested over 200 people.
After days of protests, negotiations between the government and BYC began on Wednesday night, with officials announcing the talks were “successful” and BYC agreeing to call off its sit-in after the deal was signed.
“I appeal to the people to protest, but do not damage the place of protest, attack the forces or harm the common people,” he said, adding that the government
The seven-point agreement, a copy of which is available on Dawn.com, was signed by Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Hamoodur Rehman and Dr. Mahrang.
The statement said BYC will end its protest once all protesters arrested by security forces in Balochistan and Karachi are released.
“The protesters, who were sent to prison on judicial remand, will be released after trial by August 5, the agreement states.
The Balochistan government will be in touch with Sindh authorities to secure the release of those arrested, the agreement said, adding that all cases registered against Raji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) protesters would be withdrawn.
However, it noted that cases related to loss of life during the protests would not be dismissed.
A committee comprising officials of the BYC and the district administration will also be set up and all items confiscated from the protesters by the government will be returned within a week, she said.
“Once the sit-in is over, no one will be subjected to harassment or reprimands for participating in the protest,” the agreement adds.
She further said that a complaint case of the families of those killed or injured during the protests would be registered.
