Balochistan: On Friday, protest rallies and demonstrations were held across Balochistan, raising voices against the arrests and torture of BYC (Baloch Yakjehti Committee) workers and leaders.
The protesters, staging peaceful demonstrations, chanted slogans against the unconstitutional arrests and custodial torture of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Shah Ji Baloch, Bibarg Baloch, and others, and expressed solidarity with their leadership, who are currently in detention and on a hunger strike.
State forces attempted to suppress protests in several areas, including Gadani, Uthal, and Karachi, where protesters were either arrested or forcibly stopped.
In Quetta, two major protest rallies were held in Killi Qambrani and Huda, where demonstrators raised strong slogans against the torture of BYC leaders in prison. In Kalat, local residents staged a protest march, demanding justice and an end to custodial torture. Despite police harassment and arrests, a protest rally was also organized in Karachi’s Faqir Colony on BYC’s call.
Large-scale protests were also held in Kharan, Noshki, Dalbandin, and Mashkel, where demonstrators strongly condemned the violence against BYC leaders and the state-sponsored harassment of workers.
Residents of remote areas like Nokundi, Yakmach, Charsar, and Chaghi also organized protest rallies, expressing solidarity with the BYC leaders on hunger strike.
Efforts to suppress protesters were made by the state in Gadani, Uthal, and Karachi. In Gadani and Uthal, police prevented demonstrators from beginning their protests, while in Karachi, Sindh police arrested participants heading from Malir to the rally in Faqir Colony.
The BYC spokesperson stated that the organization remains committed to peaceful democratic resistance. Today’s protests were a dignified, united voice against custodial torture, enforced disappearances, and ongoing state oppression of the oppressed.
The spokesperson added that while our leaders are imprisoned and on hunger strike, the Baloch people have sent a clear message that they will not remain silent.
The BYC’s demands include the immediate release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Shah Ji Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Bibarg Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and all other detainees, an end to custodial torture, and the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
