Nationalists warn against I-Day celebrations

QUETTA: Independence Day preparations have been marred in Quetta, as the supporters of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti are threatening people of dire consequences if they take part in August 14 commemorations.

Baloch leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal and the Baloch Students Organisation have appealed to people to observe August 14 as a “black day” in a protest against the killing of Bugti in a military operation last year.

Most stalls selling national flags, posters, stickers, cassettes and CDs of national songs have been closed because of the threats from unidentified people who say there should be no Independence Day celebrations as the month coincides with the first death anniversary of Bugti.

Tens of stall and outlet owners on Sariab Road have decided to shut their shops following the threats. Sariab Road has been the biggest centre for the sale of flags and other stuff meant for Independence Day celebrations. Shopkeepers have also not decorated their shops with colourful lights.

An auto rickshaw driver, requesting anonymity, told Daily Times he had been warned not to plant the national flag on his three-wheeler.

Security arrangements in Quetta have been beefed up. The Frontier Corps (FC) has established bunkers across the city to thwart any unpleasant incident.