Gwadar, Pakistan: The Pakistani defense forces have reportedly issued threats to the leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), warning that they will be shot dead if the sit-in at Gwadar is not ended soon, The Balochistan Post (TBP) reported.
Gwadar Protest
The Gwadar protest was planned as a one-day event on July 28 titled the Baloch National Gathering or the Baloch Raaji Muchi()BRM. It has now been extended to eight days. And is facing state violence and brutalities of the Pakistani forces.
The protest demands stated by Mahrang Baloch in X post:
- Registering FIRs against forces that used violence in Mastung, Gwadar, Nushki, Turbat, Talar, and other parts of Balochistan by killing and injuring peaceful protesters.
- Lifting the blockade/curfew in Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan. The state shall guarantee no further use of force or violence by the state security forces will occur.
- Stopping the harassment and arrest of BYC workers, supporters, and residents of Gwadar. Govt should admit it used force to crush a peaceful movement.
- Releasing all those arrested before, during, and after our national gathering. Bogus FIRS registered must be quashed.
- Compensate the public for financial damages caused by state military and intelligence agencies during the Baloch National Gathering by breaking into homes, vandalizing property, burning vehicles, and confiscating personal belongings.
- And also called for the restoration of the internet services. Report.
Dear Baloch Nation and the World,
I, along with thousands of others, am still in Gwadar, with the internet shut down, roads blocked, and the city isolated with a complete media censorship imposed. Controlled media is continuously used to portray us as violent and unwilling to… pic.twitter.com/ov4dFHhENH
— Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) August 4, 2024
Although authorities have suggested that these demands will be met, recent incidents have once again intensified tensions, The Balochistan Post reported.
ISI Threatens Peaceful Protester’s with Death
The threat was issued by a Government delegation negotiating with the BYC leaders. The threat issued was that they would be shot if the protest continued, this included Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch.
The threats were made by an officer from ISI, who has been stationed at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Gwadar and has been given a task to sabotage the BRM along with the sit-in at Gwadar.
BYC Faced Extreme Resistance Even Before the Protest Began
- Pakistan erected barricades to prevent protesters from reaching Gwadar. Caravans participating in the Baloch National Gathering were stopped in various areas of Balochistan. Protesters responded by having sit-ins at the barricaded spots until they were allowed through.
حب/کراچی: بلوچ راجی مچی حب اور کراچی کے کاروان کو یوسف گوٹھ اور باوانی میں رکاوٹیں کھڑی کرکے پولیس اور رینجرز نے روکا ہوا ہے۔ عوام نے حب سے کراچی ہائی وے کو مکمل طور پر بلاک کرکے دھرنا دیا ہے۔ جب تک ریاست رکاوٹیں دور نہیں کرے گی، حب سے کراچی ہائی وے پر دھرنا جاری رہے گا اور یہ… pic.twitter.com/c5gD7bom1O
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) July 27, 2024
- Pakistan forces shot at buses carrying women and children protesters.
Our bus of Baloch National Gathering Shaal, carrying women and children, was targeted by FC forces in Mastung. Windows shattered, and many were injured, including elderly women and children.
We call upon the international community to speak up against Pakistan's brutality.
🥲 pic.twitter.com/0yFw9xU3CI— Shaira Baloch (@baloch_shaira) July 27, 2024
- In Mastung, Talar, and Turbat, caravans were directly fired upon, subjected to violence, and targeted with tear gas shells. In Mastung, direct firing left 11 individuals critically injured, with two in highly critical condition.
This in Talaar, Balochistan..
Since last 3 days forces of Islamic Republic of Pakistan is firing on Baloch protesters in different parts of Balochistan.#BalochNationalGathering #AllEyesOnBalochistan pic.twitter.com/sXudHVC1Pl
— Fazila Baloch🌺☀️ (@IFazilaBaloch) July 30, 2024
- Hundreds of people across Balochistan were arrested and subjected to enforced disappearances. Numerous homes were raided, and women and children were harassed.
- In Gwadar and Turbat districts, a complete blackout and curfew were imposed. Internet and mobile services were shut down, and Gwadar city was completely sieged.
Extremely distressing news is coming from Gwadar that Pakistan's security forces have once again attacked the peaceful sit-in of the Baloch National Gathering in Padi Zerr Gwadar. Intense and indiscriminate firing is being directed at the peaceful participants, tear gas is being… pic.twitter.com/eMGz6CAbZr
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) July 29, 2024
Also Read: Sectarian Violence in Kurram: A Cycle of Bloodshed
Delaying Tactics by Pakistan
The authorities are negotiating as a distraction to keep the BYC leaders occupied. While the Pakistan forces intensify their crackdowns on the Baloch community.
The Pakistan forces while negotiating also opened fire on protesters in Noshik on Friday. Which resulted in the death of one person and multiple injuries to the peaceful protesters.
Peaceful protesters in Noshki City of #Balochistan were shot at by Pakistani armed forces today. One innocent protester namely Hamad Baloch was assassinated and several were badly injured.
All means of power are being used by the Pakistani Army against the peaceful national… pic.twitter.com/mBXgN6fpbV— Sammi Baloch🇨🇦 (@samipullain) August 2, 2024
In another incident in Karachi, the police detained several BYC protesters, including women, during a demonstration against Pakistan.
Scenes of beating & arresting Baloch/ other human rights activists in Karachi.
Professor @NidaKirmani was one of them.Despite consistent crackdowns, Baloch continue to protest in Karachi, Gwadar & #Balochistan for their rights including release of missing persons.#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/04vDFR1U2x
— Bashir Ahmad Gwakh (@bashirgwakh) August 3, 2024
Even with facing the threats of Arrest and death by the Pakistani Forces. The BYC has urged the people to continue their peaceful protests against the brutalities of Pakistan’s forces. Mahrang Baloch, the main organizer of BYC, announced on Friday that demonstrations and sit-ins will go on throughout Balochistan until their demands are met in full.
