Riots break out in Balochistan

QUETTA: One policeman was killed in Khuzdar as riots broke out following the killing of three Baloch nationalist leaders near Turbat on Thursday.

Baloch nationalist leaders Baloch National Movement President Ghulam Mohammad Baloch, Lala Munir and Sher Mohammad Baloch were found dead in a rural mountainous region near Turbat, police reported.

The killings have resulted in public outrage in the province.

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.

Police claimed to have recovered the bodies of the slain leaders from a mountainous area 40 kilometres away from Turbat.

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

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