At least nine persons including seven belonging to Hazara community were killed and another injured in separate firing incidents in different localities of Quetta on Saturday. Ten platoons of FC were called in to maintain law and order in the area.
According to police, unknown gunmen opened fire at a car at Brewery Road, near Wahdat Colony in Quetta. As a result of firing, seven persons were killed on the spot while another sustained injuries.
The injured was rushed to hospital for treatment where according to hospital sources his condition was also serious.
The deceased belonged to Hazara community and they hailed from the same family.
Heavy contingents of police and security forces cordoned off the Brewery Road and launched search for the attackers but the murderers managed to escape.
Hazara community has expressed grave concern over targeted killing of members of the community and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.
Meanwhile, two persons including a policeman were killed in a separate firing incident at Sabzal Road and Shalakot area.
Violence gripped different areas of Quetta including Brewary Road, Garani Road, Hazara Town and Alamdar Road areas after the target killing incidents.
Violent protest demonstrations were held in different areas. The protestors ransacked in Bolan Medical Complex (BMC) and set a vehicle on fire. Brewary Road was blocked by burning tyres and putting hurdles and heavy firing was also witnessed in various areas.
The police and security forces continued search operation and raids in different areas of Quetta after the targeted killing of nine people and arrested more than 100 suspects. The detainees were being interrogated.
The citizens expressing concerns over the role of security forces to maintain law and order in the city have demanded the provincial and federal governments to take solid steps to stop the target killing incidents.
The provincial administration called in 10 platoons of FC to maintain law and order in different areas of Quetta and to deal with any untoward occurrence.
Former Balochistan MPA Sardar Saadat Hazara has said that government has failed completely to bring a halt in target killed and demanded the imposition of governor rule in the province.
He said that unbridled violence against the Hazara community could not be tolerated further.
Awami National Party (ANP) Chief Asfandyar Wali, MQM chief Altaf Hussain and leaders of the other political parties have expressed deep grief over loss of precious lives. They vowed to bring the culprits to book and awarding them with exemplary punishment.
