Introduction
Balochistan, a region marred by a decade-long ordeal of extrajudicial killings, has witnessed a distressing trend of missing persons falling victim to state violence since 2009. This tragic situation, resulting in an estimated death toll surpassing 2,000 Baloch individuals, has plunged families into grief and uncertainty, compelling them to seek justice.
The year 2021 marked an escalation in this harrowing plight, with activists reporting a staggering increase in fake encounters leading to the murder of over 200 Baloch individuals. Amidst this ongoing tragedy, Baloch women have emerged as courageous advocates, defying threats to demand accountability for the atrocities committed against their community.
Baloch Women Leading the Protest
At the forefront of the resistance is Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a key activist leading the 'March against Baloch Genocide' from Turbat to Islamabad. Her personal tragedy, losing her father—a prominent Baloch nationalist activist—to abduction and mutilation in 2011, fuels her determination to seek justice. Dr. Mahrang's resilience stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring not only Baloch women but also common citizens and victim families to actively participate in the protests. The recent march, starting on December 6, saw an unprecedented level of involvement from the community, with families of missing persons and victims of military operations joining forces.
The Agony of Baloch Families
The distressing incident involving Balach Mola Baksh epitomizes the agony faced by Baloch families. Abducted by security forces and declared dead after just two days in custody, his family continues to seek justice while enduring threats from authorities. Baloch families, faced with poverty and intimidation, have been pushed to the brink, surviving on minimal resources. Despite government opposition and financial challenges, the protest persists, demanding justice for the victims and an end to state-backed violence.
Government Response and Baloch Defiance
The government's response to the protests has been marked by police violence, arrests, and attempts to disperse the activists. However, the resilient Baloch community, led by determined women like Dr. Mahrang Baloch, refuses to yield. The arrests, brutality, and attempts to suppress the protest have proven futile against the unwavering spirit of Baloch activists, sending a resounding message for justice.
The Unmet Demands
The protesters' demands to Islamabad echo the collective anguish of the Baloch community. They seek UN intervention, acknowledgment of state atrocities, the release of disappeared Baloch individuals, and an end to the state's complicity in enforced disappearances. Dr. Mahrang Baloch vows that the struggle against oppression will persist, and the Baloch community remains committed to exposing state violence and continuing their peaceful resistance until justice prevails.
Forced Disappearances: Families Speak Out
The ongoing narrative of forced disappearances in Balochistan unfolds as families tirelessly seek answers. Advocacy groups like Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) draw attention to the issue, displaying images of those believed to have been abducted by Pakistani security forces. Balach Mola Bakhsh's story epitomizes the anguish faced by families, with allegations of a staged encounter after being abducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
Protests for Accountability
The families of the disappeared, including Bakhsh, staged a nearly two-week protest in Turbat, demanding justice and filing an FIR against CTD officials. This culminated in a 600-kilometer march to Quetta, underscoring the fervent plea for accountability and justice in the face of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. A rallying cry against enforced disappearances resonates across Balochistan, capturing the collective anguish and unwavering determination of families demanding justice for their missing loved ones.
Release of Activists and Escalating Tensions
In Islamabad, conflicting reports surround the release of activists, with authorities claiming the release of 290 individuals and the Baloch Solidarity Committee reporting over 160 releases, highlighting the absence of more than 100 detainees. The Baloch activists' journey to Islamabad, spanning 1,600 kilometers, faced police resistance, leading to arrests and a crackdown that stirred nationwide outcry and condemnation from human rights groups.
Baloch people (4)
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's Condemnation
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) decried the state's use of force against peaceful demonstrators, denouncing the treatment of citizens exercising their constitutional rights as unjustifiable. Social media amplified the incident, leading to government initiatives to engage with protest leaders and alleviate tensions. Controversy surrounds the case of Balaach Mola Bakhsh, with conflicting narratives between authorities and his family, alleging a staged encounter and disputing the official version of events.
Conclusion
The turbulent dynamics in Balochistan underscore the urgency for resolution, transparency, and accountability, as the state and activists navigate a fraught landscape marred by violence, disappearances, and conflicting narratives. The plight of Baloch women, who defy threats for justice, stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of a community determined to expose state violence and seek redress for the atrocities committed against them.
Until justice prevails, Balochistan's struggle remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of political unrest and the resilience required to confront it. As the world watches, the voices of Baloch women and families echo in their pursuit of justice, serving as a resounding call for global attention and intervention.
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