From Our Correspondent, News Desk:
GWADAR/QUETTA: For fifth consecutive day, the cellular services and mobile network remained suspended in Gwadar in the aftermath of clashes between protesters and police. Business centers and shops in Gwadar remained shut down on the call of the Gwadar Rights Movement (GRM). Deputy Commissioner Gwadar on Friday claimed the normalcy returned to Gwadar and people started re-opening their shops and business centers. “People rejected the miscreants and elements disrupting the traditional peace of Gwadar”, the DC said.
No contact with Maulana Hidayat
Despite repeated attempts, no contact could be established with GRM Chief Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman. The Maulana has been leading protest and sit-ins for the last more than a month against illegal fishing/trawling, unnecessary check posts and easing trade with neighboring Iran.
Police also arrested a local journalist Obaidullah along with his three sons in Gwadar. Sources said police later released the three sons of the local journalist. The journlaist is still under the custody of police til filing of this report.
Security was tightened in and around Gwadar city and baton-wielding policemen were deployed to maintian the order. However, no untoward incident was reproted on Friday as security was tight. A court in Turbat, the headquarter of Kech district of Mekran division released Waseem Safar and Sibghatullah. Police had arrested both GRM activists for inciting violence in the district.
Langove accused Maulana of inciting violence
Home Minister Balochistan, Mir Ziallah Langove accused Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman of inciting violence against the government and administraiton. “Government accepted 42 demands of the GRM”, Mr. Langove said. He said the provincial government was committed to addess the issues faced by the people of Gwadar. He said the governemnt restrained the law enforcement agencies from using force against the protesters.
Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman has accused the provincial government of depriving the fishermen of their daily bread by allowing the illegal fishing and trawling in the Arabian sea. Although the provincial government has repeatedly contradicted such claims.
