Balochistan: Protests were held across most parts of Balochistan on the sixth day against the arrests of the central leadership of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen, Beebow Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, and others, as well as the violence and shooting against women. Many women actively participated in these protests, expressing strong resentment against state oppression.
In the coastal city of Gwadar, a protest rally was held against the arrests of the central leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen, Beebow Baloch, Lala Wahab Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, and other activists. The rally started from Seerat-un-Nabi Chowk and proceeded via Syed Zohur Shah Hashmi Avenue, ending at Shaheede Jewni Chowk Maki Mosque. Men, women and children participated in the protest, with many holding placards bearing various slogans and demands. During the rally, speeches were delivered by the central chairman of Haq Do Tehreek, Hussain Waddela, central organizer Hafeez Khiayazai, and Rukhsana Dost Mohammad. They condemned the government for starting an operation in Balochistan under the guise of a “hard state.” They emphasized that Baloch people have not engaged in any unconstitutional actions.
They said that Dr. Mahrang Baloch represents the voice of the Baloch people. Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen have united the Baloch in their struggle. The Balochistan Chief Minister is intent on dissolving the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, but they asserted that the Chief Minister himself will be removed, as the government cannot defeat the BYC. They have said that the government’s failure has already been proven, as Baloch have been struggling for their land, homeland, and people for 75 years.
They further stated that the government has not just arrested Dr. Maah Rang Baloch, Bebo Baloch, Sami Din, Lala Wahab, and Bebarg but has effectively imprisoned all of Balochistan. They asked, “If Baloch are being oppressed, why should they remain silent?”
In places like Turbat, Khuzdar, Kharan, Panjgor, Mastung, Kalat Osta Mohmmad, and Hub Chowki, thousands of people took to the streets in protest. They said that the government had mistakenly appointed Sarfraz Bugti as the Chief Minister, under the illusion that he would end the Baloch struggle. However, they pointed out that while Mahrang is in jail, thousands of Mahrang are resisting on the streets.
Speaking at the rally, members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee from the Jhalawan region said that the ongoing state terrorism is nothing new; the Baloch nation has been enduring this oppression for the past 70 years. The BYC has always stood up for the rights of the people and will continue to do so in the future.
They condemned the new wave of oppression in the Khushal area of Quetta, stating that even 12-year-old innocent children are not safe from state atrocities. They expressed that state violence against Baloch people continues even during the sacred month of Ramadan. They also highlighted that the suffering will persist unless Baloch unity is achieved and emphasized that the key to success is for everyone to stand together.
Mehrak Baloch addressed the protesters, saying that the voices of the Baloch nation are strong today. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, and Beebow Baloch are currently imprisoned in state torture cells. He urged the Baloch people to rise against state oppression and continue their fight for their rights, warning that silence would only bring more harm to the nation.
Shafiq-Ur-Rehman Sasoali spoke about families who have been enduring the pain of enforced disappearances for the past 15 to 20 years. He paid tribute to the mothers, sisters, brothers, and elderly parents who are suffering, and mentioned that every person present at the rally has a missing loved one.
He further explained that the Baloch know why they are being disappeared, why they are being killed, and why their voices are being silenced. He stated that the oppression began on March 27, 1948, the dark day in Baloch history when the state started its genocide against the Baloch people. Some who claim to be Baloch stand in assemblies, alternating between Baloch and other identities. From Islamabad and Rawalpindi, they claim that protesting mothers and sisters are against Baloch traditions. However, the reality is that they are collaborating with the oppressors and living in submission.
The mother of Kabir Baloch shared that her son has been forcibly disappeared for the past 16 years, and she has been wandering the streets for 16 years seeking justice. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who had been raising her voice for all the missing persons, was also disappeared. The mothers and sisters are demanding justice, but the state’s indifference is evident, even during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s Jhalawan region clarified that the ongoing oppression of the Baloch people must be immediately stopped. They called for the release of all the missing persons and for the Baloch people to be granted their fundamental human and national rights. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee stands with its people and will continue to demand justice for the martyrs, the missing, and the oppressed families.
