Protest Rally in Surab Against Merger of Levies Force into Police: Locals Demand Withdrawal of Government Decision

Surab: A large protest rally was held in **Shaheed Sikandarabad, Surab**, against the government’s decision to merge the **Levies Force** into the police system. The demonstration saw massive participation from **Levies officers and personnel**, as well as **tribal elders, political activists, and citizens** from various walks of life.

Participants **rejected the merger decision**, declaring the **Levies Force** as a **local, trusted, and effective security institution** that has played a vital role in maintaining law and order in rural and tribal areas. They argued that the merger move aims to **undermine the Levies’ historic identity, role, and public trust**, which will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Protesters carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans such as:
*“Levies Force is Our Identity,”*
*“No to Merger,”*
and *“Merging Levies is Exploitation of the People.”*

Speakers said the **Levies Force** has made countless sacrifices to uphold peace in the region, but now the government is attempting to **impose the police system**, thereby **destroying the local and traditional security framework**. They warned that such a move would erode **public cooperation** and **destabilize the existing peace structure**.

The protesters demanded that the **government immediately withdraw the merger decision**, warning that if the order is not reversed, the **protest movement will expand across Balochistan**, and a **legal and democratic campaign** will be launched.

Tribal leaders and public representatives also emphasized that instead of dissolving the Levies Force, the government should **strengthen it with more resources, training, and facilities**, enabling it to continue its **effective role in maintaining peace and supporting regional development**.