The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) has strongly condemned the increasing militarization of educational institutions in Balochistan, stating that harassment and profiling of students represent an anti-education agenda. The committee expressed support for ongoing protests against these actions, which they described as part of a deliberate effort to destabilize the region’s academic environment.
In a statement, BSAC highlighted the occupation of student hostels as a worrying trend, pointing to incidents at Bolan Medical College and the University of Balochistan. The committee revealed that Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water, and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS) is the latest victim of this pattern. According to BSAC, the takeover of hostels has turned these institutions into militarized zones, creating an atmosphere of fear among students who should be pursuing education in peace.
The committee also noted a disturbing rise in the profiling and enforced disappearances of Baloch students across educational institutions in the region and the country. They urged the government of Balochistan and university administrations to address these issues seriously and take steps to resolve them.
At the Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water, and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), students held a sit-in on Saturday to protest the recent closure of hostels. The demonstration began with a rally inside the university, where students carried placards condemning the administration’s decision. The protesters then gathered in front of the university’s main gate, holding a press conference to voice their grievances.
Students accused the administration of forcibly evicting residents under the pretext of hostel renovations. They alleged that such actions are part of a broader scheme to militarize campuses and deprive students of their right to education. Protesters further criticized the lack of transparency in the renovations, expressing concerns that surveillance equipment might be secretly installed, as had reportedly occurred at the University of Balochistan.
The students stated that LUAWMS has long suffered from inadequate facilities, yet the administration has not addressed these issues. They questioned why other pressing concerns, such as the dilapidated condition of older hostels, have been ignored while new closures are prioritized.
Protesters also alleged that several LUAWMS students have been subjected to enforced disappearances, with no accountability from the administration. Efforts to demand the return of missing students have reportedly been met with intimidation and threats.
The students called for an immediate reversal of the hostel closure decision, emphasizing that academic institutions must remain free from the interference of security forces to ensure an environment conducive to learning.
The ongoing protests have gained significant attention, with students warning that they will escalate their demonstrations if their demands are not met.