Balochistan's Enforced Disappearances Ignite Protests as Families Demand Justice

Protests continue in Balochistan against the enforced disappearances of political activists, students, and journalists. Families of the victims have staged a sit-in for three days, demanding the release of their loved ones. Allegations point to state-backed armed groups and security agencies as responsible for the kidnappings.

Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have sparked an ongoing wave of protests, focusing on the abductions of political activists, students, and journalists. For the past three days, families of victims have staged a sit-in in front of the Kech DC office, demanding the release of their loved ones. Despite their persistence, the district administration has yet to secure their release.

Protesters have pointed fingers at security agencies and state-supported armed groups for the abductions. According to The Balochistan Post, a young man named Siraj Ahmed, son of Shafee Muhammad and resident of Nodaz, was forcibly taken by a state-backed armed group while having lunch at a hotel. Eyewitnesses reported that armed men restrained Ahmed before transporting him in a vehicle, allegedly part of a local 'Death Squad.'

These groups, believed to be active in various parts of Balochistan, are accused of kidnappings for ransom, enforced disappearances, extortion, and targeted killings of political activists. Human rights activists claim these 'death squads' are supported by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies to quell the independence movement in the region.

The International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons reported the disappearance of three more individuals from Kharan via a post on social media platform X. They identified the missing as Hafeezullah, son of Fazl Muhammad Chanal, Manzoor Ahmed, son of Abbas Yelanzai, and Ziaullah, son of Fazl Muhammad Chenal. While Manzoor Ahmed and Ziaullah have been released, Hafeezullah remains missing. Meanwhile, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee is set to organize the Baloch Raaji Muchi in Gwadar on July 28, as a response to the ongoing genocide.

The committee has urged people to join their efforts using the hashtag #MarchAgainstBalochGenocide on social media, emphasizing unity against oppression. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)