This occurrence is not an isolated event; rather, it has become a recurrent activity over the past decade during significant occasions such as Eid. Despite facing state repression and being labeled as ‘terrorists’ and collaborators, Baloch protesters continue to demand justice, often facing police brutality in the process. This encapsulates the ongoing struggle of Balochistan.

Balochistan has earned the grim moniker of being the “home to enforced disappearances,” especially over the last two decades. Victims are often referred to as ‘Missing Persons,’ while state atrocities, once characterized by ‘kill and dump’ policies, now manifest as ‘extrajudicial killings’ or ‘fake encounters.’ In response to these egregious state actions, Baloch people have turned to protests as a means of denouncing brutality and dispelling the misconceptions propagated by state propaganda. The primary demand of these protests is the release of abducted individuals from state custody and an end to genocidal policies against the Baloch people.

Despite alternative suggestions advocating for legal recourse, many argue that protests remain the most potent avenue for families grappling with the abduction of their loved ones. The options of filing a police complaint or seeking justice through the judiciary are fraught with obstacles and lack efficacy, as evidenced by cases like that of Balach Mola Bakhsh. The political establishment, purportedly representing the people, has often prioritized personal gain over addressing the plight of the Baloch community, further eroding faith in existing institutions.

Moreover, the families of the abducted individuals often know their whereabouts but are deterred from seeking them out due to the threat of state aggression. Fear has become ingrained in the Baloch psyche, hindering collective resistance against injustice. Despite these challenges, recent waves of protests have instilled hope among thousands of families in Balochistan, offering a glimmer of optimism for the release of their loved ones. Criticizing their choice to protest denies them the very hope they cling to in their darkest hours.

In conclusion, Balochistan’s ongoing protests represent a collective outcry against injustice and a quest for a better future. To dismiss these protests is to undermine the resilience and determination of a people striving for dignity and justice.

The author, a lawyer based in Turbat. The writer tweets @Alijanmaqsood12

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Balochistan  Express.