July fighters announce nationwide highway blockade on Sunday

Clashes erupted between police and “July fighters” near the main stage of the July Charter signing ceremony at the south plaza of the National Parliament Building on Friday afternoon.

The confrontation began when demonstrators vandalised police vehicles, prompting law enforcement to fire tear gas and use batons to disperse the crowd. Later in the evening, the protesters announced a three-hour nationwide highway blockade on Sunday, October 19, from 2pm to 5pm, demanding the fulfilment of their three-point charter.

Masud Rana Saurav, chief organiser of the July Fighters Council, made the announcement at a press conference held near the Parliament area. “We were attacked,” he said. “In protest against the assault and in demand for the implementation of our three-point charter, we will observe the blockade on Sunday. We also call upon the general public to join.”

Their three demands are:
Constitutional recognition of July martyrs as “National Heroes” and the wounded and disabled as “Heroes”.
Announcement of a specific rehabilitation roadmap for the families of the July martyrs and the injured. Enactment of a protection law ensuring immunity from harassment unless proven guilty.

Masud Rana also alleged that Professor Ali Riaz’s statement contradicts the spirit of the charter signed by political parties, and that there is no clear assurance regarding the implementation of the fifth clause, which they consider deceptive.

He said that over the past month, discussions were held at various levels with the government regarding their demands, and although assurances were given, the final draft of the charter did not include their key proposals — prompting them to stage their sit-in at the Parliament gates.

Describing the incident, Saurav said the demonstrators took position at 10:35am and maintained order peacefully. Later, members of the Consensus Commission held talks with Professor Ali Riaz and announced the fifth clause, but no concrete pledge was made regarding its implementation.

He claimed the situation remained peaceful until 10:30am, when police suddenly attacked from the west side without warning, beating protesters with batons and boots. The July fighters condemned the assault, calling it “reprehensible and an act of severe repression.”

They further warned that if their sacrifices and contributions are not officially recognised, the democratic and revolutionary relevance of the new state will be called into question.