Why is the Baloch Women Forum Condemning the Abduction of BYC Leaders?
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Synopsis
In a strong statement, the Baloch Women Forum raises alarms over the unlawful detentions of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders by Pakistani authorities, describing the situation as a troubling reflection of lawlessness. The organization calls for immediate action to safeguard the rights of Baloch activists and halt the cycle of violence against them.
Key Takeaways
- Baloch Women Forum condemns unlawful detentions.
- Growing lawlessness in Balochistan is alarming.
- Numerous Baloch activists face illegal detention.
- Call for accountability and safety of Baloch civilians.
- Urgent need for international attention on Baloch rights.
Quetta, May 16 (NationPress) The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) has vehemently criticized the unlawful detention of leaders and activists from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) by Pakistani authorities, highlighting a disturbing trend of lawlessness within the province.
Baloch human rights advocates associated with the BYC have reportedly been apprehended by the Pakistan Counter Terrorism Department or have gone missing, according to the BWF, which is demanding their immediate release.
"Over the past couple of months, numerous leaders and members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have been detained, including their Central Organizer Mahrang Baloch. These detentions are exacerbating tensions and increasing animosity among Baloch civilians towards state institutions. We believe that the so-called parliamentarians and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are deliberately escalating the situation, operating merely as warlords," stated a BWF release.
The BWF also presented a detailed list of BYC activists who have been unlawfully confined by Pakistani forces.
"Central Core Committee member of the BYC, Bebagr Baloch, was abducted on March 20 from his residence alongside his brother Hammal. They reappeared a day later at the Bijligarh Police Station in Quetta. After more than a month, Hammal was released, but Bebagr remains in illegal custody," reported the BWF.
"The Central Organizer of the BYC, Mahrang Baloch, was taken into custody on March 22 during a police crackdown on a protest involving the deceased bodies of three protestors killed by police earlier. Alongside Mahrang, activist Beebow Baloch was also arrested from Saryab. While detained, she faced threats and torture in Hudda Jail, where she is held under the oppressive Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law," the BWF elaborated.
In addition to these leaders, a multitude of BYC activists are enduring unlawful detention and maltreatment in Pakistan, with many facing charges under the draconian MPO law.
The BWF underscored the escalating human rights violations, noting that the past two months have been particularly arduous for the Baloch community.
"We have witnessed a surge in enforced disappearances, while many have been martyred in fabricated encounters and targeted killings. By employing laws like PECA and MPO to silence dissenters against injustices, the LEAs have been actively promoting genocidal policies against the Baloch, including the disposal of bodies of numerous disappeared Baloch individuals. We have persistently urged the state and its infamous institutions to halt violations of human and Baloch rights, but to no avail," the BWF's statement continued.
"The Baloch Women Forum unequivocally condemns the severe police action against the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and what appears to be the unlawful arrests of its leaders over the past two months under colonial-era laws like the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO)," the statement concluded.
As a stakeholder in Baloch politics, the BWF expressed deep concern regarding the safety and fundamental rights of not only the detained Baloch activists but also the Baloch community as a whole.
The BWF called for the urgent release of detained BYC activists and their families; cessation of harassment against peaceful political activists and civilians; an end to the rising number of targeted killings and staged encounters in Balochistan; accountability for all parties involved in human rights abuses against the Baloch; and the right for the Baloch to live peacefully.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is an organization advocating for the rights of the minority Baloch community in Pakistan.
Point of View
I firmly align with the Baloch Women Forum's stance on human rights. The ongoing abductions and unlawful detentions of Baloch activists highlight a severe breach of democratic principles and human rights. Our nation must address these injustices and ensure the safety of all its citizens, particularly marginalized communities such as the Baloch.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Baloch Women Forum?
The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) is an organization advocating for the rights and welfare of the Baloch community in Pakistan, focusing on issues like human rights violations and social justice.
What actions has the BWF taken regarding the BYC leaders' detention?
The BWF has issued strong condemnations of the arbitrary detentions and is demanding the immediate release of the detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders and activists.
What is the situation of human rights in Balochistan?
Balochistan has seen a rise in human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings, particularly against Baloch activists and community members.
How is the Pakistani government responding to these issues?
The Pakistani government has been criticized for its lack of accountability regarding the actions of security forces and for using oppressive laws to silence dissent.
What can be done to address these human rights violations?
International attention, advocacy for policy change, and support for Baloch rights organizations are crucial for addressing and mitigating human rights violations in Balochistan.
