The spokesperson of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Barkahan Zone stated that the recent systematic harassment of youth engaged in political and democratic struggle in Barkahan is not only condemnable but also reflects a dangerous trend of targeting political workers through an alliance between tribal chieftains and the state. State institutions and the tribal system have aligned their interests to suppress the political voice of Baloch youth.
Barkahan holds the distinction of being home to politically conscious youth who initiated their struggle by raising their voices against a fundamental issue, local domicile rights. These youth organized themselves and began demanding their constitutional rights through democratic means. Unfortunately, this political awakening has threatened both the state and tribal authorities, who have now begun tightening the noose around these young activists.
The spokesperson stated that officials and members of the NDP are being directly targeted. The home of a central party leader was raided, and similar actions were carried out at the residences of the current organizer and deputy organizer. Deputy Organizer Gul Mir Baloch and Zonal Member Salal Baloch have reportedly been forcibly disappeared. Their arrests have not been officially acknowledged, nor have they been presented in court, which raises concerns about violations of the constitution and international human rights standards. Political workers should not be denied their constitutional and democratic rights. If there are any allegations against them, due legal process should be followed instead of unlawful disappearances.
The statement added that by preventing political activists from engaging in politics, exercising freedom of expression and participating in democratic processes, while simultaneously using force against them, the authorities are pushing these youth into a political dead end. Such behavior will only escalate the existing tensions.
The National Democratic Party strongly condemns this repression, intimidation and fear-mongering against the leaders and members of NDP and other nationalist political parties. The party demands the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of all forcibly disappeared persons in Barkahan and across Balochistan, and calls for their constitutional and human rights to be upheld.
