The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) issued a media statement to highlight the escalating crisis in Balochistan, where victim families are taking to the streets across the region demanding justice for their forcibly disappeared loved ones.
From Mastung to Malir, and Surab to Turbat, the Baloch nation is demonstrating unwavering resistance against what they describe as a systematic genocide.
Currently, the crucial Quetta-Karachi Highway (N-25) is blocked at three locations as families conduct sit-in protests, demanding the safe return of their fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons. These demonstrations are taking place during the holy month of Ramadan, underscoring the desperation and resolve of the affected families.
Key Protest Locations:
Hub-Bawani Bypass, Hub Chowki:
Six families have been protesting for two days. Negotiations with authorities have failed, with authorities prioritizing road clearance over addressing the families’ concerns. Police and Hub Administration used excessive force, including baton charges, tear gas, and live ammunition, to disperse protesters.Several individuals, including women, were arrested and taken to undisclosed locations.
Families remain determined to continue their protest until their loved ones are safely returned.
Zero Point, Surab (CPEC Road):
Nine families from Tehsil Zehri are in their third day of protest. Authorities failed to fulfill promises to produce the disappeared individuals. Families are facing harassment and threats to silence their protests. Despite this, they refuse to leave until their loved ones are returned. More families are joining the protest daily.
Tehsil Kardgap Cross, Mastung (Quetta-Taftan Highway N-40):
Approximately ten families have been protesting for two days. Initial interactions with the Assistant Commissioner were marked by disrespect and threats towards women. The Assistant Commissioner failed to provide assurances regarding the safe release of the disappeared. The protest continues, with families vowing to remain until their relatives are returned.
Developments in Quetta and Turbat:
Sit-in protests in Quetta and Turbat have been temporarily suspended following assurances from authorities. In Quetta, two disappeared individuals were brought to surface: Ali Raza was released, and Bahadur Ali is scheduled to appear before a magistrate. Authorities requested two days to address the case of Basheer Ahmed.
The D Baloch sit in was ended after negotiations.
Escalating Tensions: More families have announced plans to stage sit-in protests and road blockades within three days if their loved ones are not released.
The BYC condemns the state’s use of violence and affirms its solidarity with the victim families.
The families are fearful that their loved ones will be killed, and their bodies mutilated, or claimed as terrorists in fake encounters.
The BYC urges the Baloch nation and the international community to support these traumatized families during Ramadan and beyond.
