In a disturbing turn of events, the recent peaceful march against the "Baloch Genocide" in Pakistan faced severe violence upon reaching Islamabad, resulting in over 300 arrests and numerous injuries. The protesters, seeking to draw attention to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, were met with aggressive police action, prompting widespread condemnation.
Police Crackdown and Arrests:
As the peaceful demonstrators staged a sit-in at Chongi No. 26 in Islamabad after being denied access to the Press Club, they were met with batons, tear gas, and water cannons. This crackdown resulted in the arrest of prominent figures, including protest leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch and journalist Somaiyah Hafeez Baloch, along with scores of women and children.
#MarchAgainstBalochGenocide is under attack by the Islamabad police. Many of our youth have been arrested, & many have been injured by tear gas shelling and violence. Right now, we are being treated worse than animals. Will the world raise its voice for us against this barbarism? pic.twitter.com/AYhRPW0K9S
— Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) December 20, 2023
Social Media Testimonies:
Leaders like Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch took to social media to share their experiences and emphasize the determination of the protesters. Despite arrests and violence, the leaders affirmed their commitment to the cause, challenging what they referred to as a "fascist state."
I have been arrested along with several women and men by Islamabad police .but remember fascist state, we will defeat you.
— Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) December 20, 2023
Early Morning Raids:
In a concerning development, Islamabad Police conducted early morning raids targeting Baloch students and activists. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee Islamabad decried these raids as part of a broader strategy to suppress the voices of the Baloch people.
ریاست کے ہاتھوں بلوچ ماؤں اور بہنوں کی اس طرح تذلیل بلوچ قوم کبھی بھی نہیں بھولے گی۔ #MarchAgainstBalochGenocide pic.twitter.com/xbwMi1XU0L
— Baloch Yakjahti Committee - Kech (@BYCKech) December 21, 2023
Detention of Baloch Women:
Pakistani forces attempted to transport detained Baloch women back to Quetta, but they refused to comply. The subsequent plan to transport them in police vans as prisoners has drawn international attention and criticism for its disregard for human rights.
International Criticism:
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), have expressed deep concern over the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies. HRCP condemned the violent response to the Baloch protesters and called for the immediate release of detained women. The Balochistan Bar Council announced a boycott of judicial proceedings, condemning the use of force against peaceful protesters as a severe violation of human rights.
Pakistan: @amnesty is deeply concerned by the excessive use of force by law enforcement against the Baloch Long March protestors in Islamabad on 21 December. Amnesty has reviewed videos showing water cannons, tear gas and batons being used against the protestors. Dozens have been…
— Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) December 21, 2023
Widespread Protests in Balochistan:
In response to the/center police violence, widespread protests erupted across Balochistan, leading to road blockades and disruptions in major highways connecting provinces. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee announced a Balochistan-wide shutter-down strike and highway blockades in direct response to the crackdown.
Heartbreaking and painful video of Baloch detainees, Islamabad police clearly attacking them and dragging poor Baloch women to throw them in buses to deport them back to Balochistan.#MarchAgainstBalochGenocide pic.twitter.com/HGaTbR0NMz
— Fazila Baloch🌺☀️ (@IFazilaBaloch) December 21, 2023
The international community must pay heed to the escalating situation in Balochistan, where peaceful protesters are facing violent suppression. As human rights and justice hang in the balance, global attention and solidarity are crucial in holding the Pakistani government accountable for its actions against the Baloch people.
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