As the Turbat long march concludes, the spotlight on enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan remains. The protesters’ determination, coupled with international attention, underscores the urgency for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into these grave human rights violations. The next steps unveiled by the BYC in Quetta will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the movement, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of justice and accountability. In a compelling display of resilience and determination, the participants of the Turbat long march, led by Dr Mahrang Baloch, have concluded their month long protest sit-in in Islamabad and arrived in Quetta. The journey, originating in Turbat, aimed to draw attention to the alleged extrajudicial killing of Balaach Mola Bakhsh and the rampant issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The protesters demanded accountability, urging the registration of an FIR against the officials involved in the alleged extrajudicial killing.
The arrival of the marchers in Quetta was met with a warm reception from thousands, including students and women, in the Sariab area near Balochistan University. The procession, starting at the Hazar Ganji area, culminated in a significant gathering at Balochistan University, where supporters eagerly awaited the return of the activists who had journeyed through various areas to reach Islamabad. The focal point of their protest in the capital was a sit-in staged in front of the National Press Club. The participants advocated for an end to enforced disappearances affecting students, political workers, and human rights defenders. Furthermore, they called for the establishment of a judicial commission to thoroughly investigate the killing of missing persons, exemplified by the tragic case of Balaach Mola Bakhsh.
Dr Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the march, detailed the hardships faced by the protesters during their sit-in in Islamabad. She claimed that the police not only mistreated the participants but also subjected Baloch women to humiliation. Despite the alleged mistreatment, Dr Baloch emphasized that the sit-in was not concluded through negotiations with the government. She expressed skepticism about receiving justice from Islamabad, asserting that the Baloch nation should not forget the heinous acts committed against them. Dr Baloch’s call to action resonated with a dire warning about the future, drawing parallels to historical injustices. She urged the Baloch public to join a gathering scheduled in Quetta on January 27, where the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) would reveal its next course of action. Dr Baloch emphasized that the BYC, strengthened by the protest, would persist in its movement against enforced disappearances.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch is not just a doctor; she is a symbol of defiance, a voice for the voiceless, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Baloch people. Her story, woven with threads of personal tragedy, unwavering activism, and a resolute commitment to justice, reverberates far beyond the borders of her native Balochistan, Pakistan. Born in 1993, Mahrang witnessed the harsh realities of Balochistan firsthand. Her family, like countless others, endured the trauma of enforced disappearances, with her brother becoming a victim in 2017. This personal tragedy ignited a fire within her, propelling her towards a path of activism. Yet, Mahrang did not merely succumb to despair; she channeled her grief into a potent force for change. While pursuing her medical degree at Bolan Medical College, Mahrang emerged as a leader among her peers. In 2020, she spearheaded a student protest against the proposed removal of the quota system, which ensured opportunities for students from remote areas like Balochistan. Her unwavering resolve and the group’s hunger strike ultimately led to the policy’s cancellation, demonstrating the power of collective action. Her voice resonated not only within Balochistan but also garnered international attention. Mahrang addressed prestigious forums, penned powerful articles, and participated in protests, bringing the Baloch struggle to the world stage. Her unwavering commitment to truth and justice earned her the respect of human rights organizations and international media, propelling her into the role of a prominent spokesperson for the Baloch cause.
The decision to conclude the Islamabad sit-in was attributed to pressures from the police, state institutions, and the indifferent attitude of government functionaries. The BYC’s assertion that their responsibility to highlight the issue of missing persons in Balochistan had been fulfilled suggests a strategic shift in their approach. Dr Baloch called upon the educated and aware populace of Punjab to champion the cause of the missing citizens, signaling a broader outreach for support.
Interestingly, the rival camp set up by the Balochistan Shuhada Forum (BSF) also decided to wind up their protest, citing the fulfillment of their key demand for the establishment of a judicial commission. This development suggests that the collective pressure exerted by both camps might have influenced a positive response from the authorities. On the other hand, amid the solidarity for the marchers, there has been condemnation from Amnesty International over the reported harassment faced by Baloch protesters in Islamabad. The Caretaker Information Minister of Balochistan, Jan Achakzai, dismissed Amnesty International’s concerns, alleging reliance on unverified claims and biased sources orchestrated by separatist elements.