Quetta's Civil Hospital has finally released the bodies of individuals killed in Operation Dara-e-Bolan after a two-day delay, following mounting pressure from Balochistan residents who protested outside the hospital. On Friday evening, the hospital administration released six out of the fourteen bodies, including those of Kashif Shahwani, Wadood Satakzai, and Salal Akbar, in response to persistent requests from their families, particularly Salal Akbar's family from Parom, Panjgur.
Outside the hospital, a poignant scene unfolded as people placed flowers on the coffins and chanted slogans in honor of the BLA fighters who lost their lives during the operation. The initial refusal to release the bodies, without providing justification, caused distress among the families, and the reported lack of dignity in handling the deceased led to public outcry.
Concerns were raised about the disrespect shown to the bodies, prompting a family member to question the message Pakistan was conveying to Balochistan through such actions. Saeeda Baloch, a local activist, suggested that the hospital's reluctance was influenced by directives from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), seen by many as an attempt to intimidate those seeking closure.
People lined up in front of a hospital in Quetta and showered flowers on the coffins of BLA fighters who were killed during the Mach attack. pic.twitter.com/UTWTVYSCDi
— The Balochistan Post - English (@TBPEnglish) February 2, 2024
In a recent statement, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) clarified the identities of the deceased, revealing that 12 of the 14 bodies belonged to its Majeed Brigade, who lost their lives during Operation Dara-e-Bolan. The BLA also stated that the remaining two individuals, a Levies official and a peon from an office in Mach city, were not affiliated with their organization. Allegedly, these individuals had surrendered to the BLA and sought refuge during the conflict but were tragically killed by indiscriminate mortar fire from the Frontier Corps.
0 Comments