Synopsis
On March 28, the Balochistan National Party-Mengal will lead a long march from Wadh to Quetta to protest the unlawful detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders. This follows a severe police crackdown on activists, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch.Key Takeaways
- Long march from Wadh to Quetta on March 28.
- Led by BNP-M President Akhtar Mengal.
- Protest against the illegal detention of BYC leaders.
- Emphasis on peaceful protest and solidarity among Baloch community.
- Condemnation of police brutality against Baloch women.
Quetta, March 26 (NationPress) In response to the unlawful detention of Pakistan's Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists, such as Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, amidst a severe police crackdown, the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) has declared a long march from Wadh to Quetta set for March 28.
The march will be spearheaded by BNP-M President Akhtar Mengal, according to local media reports.
A party statement revealed that the decision to organize the long march was made during a meeting of the BNP-M’s central executive committee. The party condemned the police crackdown on Baloch women.
“The BNP recognizes its political responsibilities and is officially announcing its protest schedule. On March 26, a shutter-down strike will be observed, followed by protests at Press clubs across the province. A long march will commence on March 28 from Wadh to Quetta led by Akhtar Mengal,” the statement indicated.
While announcing the march, BNP leader Mengal emphasized that the movement is a stand against oppression, cruelty, persecution, and injustice perpetrated by the Pakistani government. He assured that the movement would be peaceful and urged everyone to join the march in solidarity.
“I declare a long march from Wadh to Quetta, protesting the arrest of our daughters and the dishonor of our mothers and sisters. I will lead this march personally and invite all Baloch brothers and sisters, young and old, to stand with us. This is not merely about the detention of our daughters; it concerns our national dignity, our honor, and our very existence. We will not stay silent until our mothers, sisters, and daughters are protected,” Mengal tweeted.
In the meantime, the Sindh government has detained BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch along with four others for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) on Tuesday, shortly after a judicial magistrate in Karachi ordered their release in a case concerning the violation of Section 144.
Speaking to Pakistan’s prominent daily, Dawn, Sammi’s attorney Jibran Nasir noted that out of the five activists, only Sammi Baloch was held by police under the MPO for 30 days, while the other four remain unaccounted for.
Previously, the BYC protested against “state brutality and enforced disappearances,” demanding the release of detained Baloch leaders including their chief Mahrang Baloch. However, during a police operation, several individuals, including BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch, were arrested for allegedly breaching Section 144.
The police in Quetta have registered seven cases against over 500 BYC leaders and activists, including Mahrang Baloch, across four police stations. Pakistan has accused Mahrang Baloch and other activists of terrorism following her leadership in a sit-in protest against the illegal arrest and remand of the relatives of enforced disappearance victims.
Earlier, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly criticized “the excessive and brutal use of force” against the “peaceful protestors of Baloch Yakjehti Committee in Quetta.”
“The oppressive regime has once again exceeded all limits of brutality in its desperate endeavor to maintain power, even at the expense of national unity and integrity,” stated Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI Central Information Secretary, as quoted by The Express Tribune.
“We demand immediate accountability for those responsible for the killing and injuring of peaceful demonstrators and the prompt release of all detainees, including Mahrang Baloch,” he added.
