Categories: World

Balochistan on high alert, educational institutions shut

<p>
Security forces in Balochistan have been put on high alert after intelligence indicated an 'unpredictable situation' building up in the conflict-torn region. The government has also closed educational institutions in the Balochistan capital Quetta.</p>
<p>
<a href="https://thebalochistanpost.net/2022/03/government-puts-forces-in-balochistan-on-high-alert/"><em>The Balochistan Post </em>says </a>that military cantonments in Quetta, Gwadar and other cities of Balochistan have been advised to keep a lookout for the next two days due to the unpredictable security situation.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Home department of Balochistan has issued a letter to Police, Levies, District Administrations, conveyed to review security arrangements due to 'prevailing threat perceptions', ensuring that LEAs are vigilant 'to avoid any unwanted incident '.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quetta?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Quetta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/7dJUiMJeXI">pic.twitter.com/7dJUiMJeXI</a></p>
— Asim Ahmed khan (@leokhanasim) <a href="https://twitter.com/leokhanasim/status/1504163899666485251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>
Different units of the Pakistani forces and even the Pakistan Air Force have been put on high alert till March 22. The security forces have been ordered to thoroughly check the vehicles moving in and out of Chaman and other areas. Police has been asked to guard the main highways even as the forces have been banned from patrolling for a week.</p>
<p>
The security measures are causing panic and confusion among the masses. Academic institutions, including schools, have been shut down for two days. Even exams have been postponed due to an unprecedented security situation.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Notification regarding Matric exams in Quetta. <a href="https://t.co/CRen6Jled4">https://t.co/CRen6Jled4</a> <a href="https://t.co/a5Ilcnj9p8">pic.twitter.com/a5Ilcnj9p8</a></p>
— Asim Ahmed khan (@leokhanasim) <a href="https://twitter.com/leokhanasim/status/1504359375854608384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>
Geopolitical analyst Mark Kinra explains the unprecedented development to India Narrative: “With sudden increase in attacks by Baloch freedom fighters, it is assumed that they will sabotage March 23 celebrations by Pakistan—commemorated for the adoption of Pakistan’s first constitution and the Lahore resolution of 1940. The Baloch armed groups are likely to attack events by the Pakistani government as it brings them media attention and sends a message that Balochistan does not want to be a part of Pakistan”.</p>
<p>
He adds that three notifications have been doing the rounds in Balochistan related to the perceived threat of armed violence. One of the notifications calls for the public to refrain from activities.</p>
<p>
Meanwhile, students affiliated to the Baloch Students Council Islamabad are boycotting their classes from March 21 against the “enforced disappearance” of Hafeez Baloch and other kidnapped persons. The students council has appealed to students across Pakistan to boycott classes to mount pressure on the government.<br />
<br />
The students are also protesting against the enforced disappearance of Zahid Baloch, the former chairman of the Baloch Students Organisation (BSO).<br />
<br />
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recently expressed concern over reports of a fresh wave of State-organised disappearances in Balochistan including that of Hafeez Baloch–a postgraduate student at an Islamabad university.<br />
<br />
Over the last two months, Baloch armed organisations seeking independence from Pakistan have upped <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/baloch-fighters-embarrass-pakistan-military-continue-to-engage-troops-in-panjgur-camp-after-hours-147937.html">deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces</a>, taking over security camps and spreading fear among the Pakistani military. </p>

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar writes on international issues and is a keen watcher of South Asia, environment, urban development and NGOs.

Recent Posts

The ever-growing role of Buddha Dhamma

By Portia Conrad The Buddha Dhamma, or Buddhist teachings, has continued to play an evolving…

10 mins ago

IAF orders enquiry after MiG-29 aircraft crashed near Agra

Indian Air Force (IAF) has said it has ordered an enquiry hours after a MiG-29…

14 hours ago

Paank urges Pakistan to end enforced disappearances following release of abducted students

The Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, Paank, has emphasised that enforced disappearances…

14 hours ago

UKPNP condemns new restrictions on civil liberties in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has condemned a recent notification from the government…

14 hours ago

India-Vietnam Joint military exercise Vinbax 2024 commences at Ambala

The 5th Edition of Vietnam Indian Bilateral Army Exercise "VINBAX 2024" commenced on Monday and…

16 hours ago

“Disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific: A key element of India-Australia bilateral ties”, says EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the deepening bilateral relationship between India and Australia during…

17 hours ago