QUETTA: The Coastal Highway near Sarbandan area of Gwadar was blocked in protest after police arrested seven supporters of Haq Du Tehreek, including their leader Hussain Wadala.
The protesters are demanding a reduction in the number of check posts, facilitation of cross-border trade and a complete end to deep-sea fish trawling in the sea near Gwadar.
In Gwadar, the movement led by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman has been protesting for about eight weeks.
According to details, supporters of the movement blocked the coastal highway near Sarabandan after the arrest of their leaders. He has also announced a strike in Gwadar and a rally in support of the arrested leaders.
Meanwhile, the National Party (NP) has condemned the arrests and police action against the protesters and demanded the immediate release of those detained by the police.
NP General Secretary Muhammad Jan Bilidi said that the government should have a meaningful dialogue with the protesters and their leadership.
In the wake of the month-long protests in Port Town last year, the government made some promises but failed to address the issues.
The government has once again formed a committee to negotiate with the leadership of the movement. However, it could not make any progress till Saturday.
On Sunday, Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Longo said that they are trying to end the strike and dharna in Gwadar through dialogue, adding that a solution is always found through dialogue.
He further said that Commissioner Karachi, DIG and DC Gwadar have been directed to hold talks with the protesters and they are hopeful of ending the deadlock.
The Home Minister further said that the Chief Minister advised to resolve the issue through negotiations. He expressed hope that Hidayatur Rehman, the leader of Haq Du Tehreek, would honor his offer of talks.
