Kech: For the second consecutive day, families of four disappeared individuals blocked the CPEC highway in the Tajaban area of Turbat, protesting what they described as a violation of an agreement by the district administration.
Despite severe cold, women and children remained on the highway overnight as the protest entered its second day. The demonstrators said they were compelled to resume the sit-in after authorities failed to honor commitments made during negotiations held last week.
According to the protesters, the district administration had assured them of the recovery of the disappeared persons particularly the women following which the earlier protest was called off. However, with no progress on the recovery, the families said they had no choice but to return to the streets.
The protesters said four members of a single family remain disappeared, including two women. They added that one of the disappeared women is nine months pregnant, heightening fears for her safety and wellbeing.
The demonstrators further said that security forces detained the four individuals, including two women, from Hub Chowki and transferred them to an undisclosed location. Protesters said allegations circulating on social media accusing the disappeared individuals of planning a suicide attack were being rejected by both the families and demonstrators.
They said that while much of the world is engaged in New Year celebrations, women and children in Balochistan are being forced to protest in harsh winter conditions for the recovery of their loved ones.
