QUETTA Thousands of Balochistan police personnel performed their duties without weapons on Wednesday after they were not issued arms from their headquarters for the second day running.

The provincial government had sealed the armouries of the Balochistan Constabulary, Anti-Terrorism Force and Police Training College after Monday's violent protest by policemen demanding a raise.

Frontier Corps personnel called in by the provincial government after police's strike were guarding the sealed police koths.

Personnel of Balochistan Constabulary and ATF were seen with batons issued to them in place of AK-47 rifles used by police in the province.

“Weapons will not be issued to the personnel of the BC, ATF and PTC until legal action is completed against policemen involved in violent protest,” a government official told Dawn.

He said that 3,000 to 3,500 personnel belonging to the three institutions had been affected by the decision. “They are performing their duties with batons.”

According to sources, there is no restriction on officers above the rank of assistant sub inspector carrying weapons.

Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani has asked acting provincial police chief Mohammad Akbar Arain to take strict action against police officials involved in violence, the sources said.

Footage from cameras installed at the gates and inside the CM's secretariat and Governor's House is being used for identifying personnel involved in firing and damaging property.

More cameras have been installed along the road near the Governor's House and Chief Minister's House.

Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said “Investigation is under way and strict action will be taken against violent protesters.”

He said the situation was under control and no report of police protest had been received from any part of the province except Loralai, where a group of personnel had taken out a procession.

He said the violence appeared pre-planed because police recruits inducted just two weeks ago had been brought to the city from the training college.

He said a DSP and other police officials who had brought the recruits from the PTC had been arrested.

Frontier Corps personnel continued guarding important places in the provincial capital, including the governor's and chief minister's houses, the provincial assembly and main bazaars.

All vehicles moving on the Zarghoon Road and their occupants were checked. The Civil Secretariat and houses of the governor, the chief minister, several ministers and the chief secretary are located along the road.

The home secretary said the FC would remain in Quetta until required for maintaining peace and order.