Are Extrajudicial Killings in Balochistan the Darkest Chapter in Pakistan's Human Rights History?
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Synopsis
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sheds light on the grave issue of extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, labeling it as a dark chapter in Pakistan's human rights history. His remarks emphasize the plight of the Baloch people and the need for international attention.
Key Takeaways
- Extrajudicial killings in Balochistan are a significant human rights concern.
- The 'kill and dump' policy represents state-sponsored terror.
- Over 20,000 Baloch individuals are reported missing.
- International awareness is crucial for addressing the crisis.
- Support from global leaders can amplify the voices of the oppressed.
Guwahati, May 2 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday remarked that the extrajudicial killings taking place in Balochistan throughout the years represent one of the most harrowing aspects of Pakistan's human rights record.
In a statement on X, CM Sarma highlighted, "The ongoing pattern of extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, often referred to as the 'kill and dump policy,' stands as a significant stain on the human rights landscape of Pakistan. For many years, the Baloch people have suffered under a brutal campaign of enforced disappearances, where students, activists, educators, and thinkers are taken by state agencies, tortured, and later discovered lifeless in remote locations or abandoned along deserted pathways."
The Chief Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Modi has voiced support for the Baloch people and reiterated India's commitment to standing by them.
He argued that PM Modi's advocacy has shed light on the Balochistan crisis, which has long been suppressed by Pakistan.
"This cruel practice has become synonymous with state-sponsored terror in Balochistan, where families, instead of being filled with hope, are left to receive the battered and disfigured remains of their loved ones. Within this grim context, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in his 2016 Independence Day address, broke the silence that the global community had maintained for far too long. By referencing the 'rivers of red' flowing through Balochistan, he gave a voice to those denied justice and dignity, asserting that India stands resolutely with the oppressed and the silenced. His words carried not just moral clarity but also international significance, drawing necessary attention to a crisis that Pakistan has tried to conceal," CM Sarma noted in his post on X.
"Organizations like the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) estimate that more than 20,000 Baloch individuals have gone missing, with numerous bodies discovered under suspicious and violent circumstances. Many exhibit signs of significant torture, indicating a systematic strategy to silence dissent through fear and brutality. This is no longer merely a regional or political problem; it has escalated into a humanitarian crisis. #BalochGenocide," CM Sarma further stated.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this sensitive topic with an unbiased lens, focusing on the humanitarian aspects while providing factual information. The ongoing situation in Balochistan is a matter of global concern that requires an informed dialogue, underscoring the need for justice and accountability.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are extrajudicial killings?
Extrajudicial killings refer to the unlawful killing of individuals by government authorities without legal proceedings.
What is the 'kill and dump policy'?
The 'kill and dump policy' describes a systematic approach where individuals are abducted, killed, and their bodies disposed of to silence dissent.
How many Baloch individuals are estimated to be missing?
Organizations like the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons estimate that over 20,000 Baloch individuals have gone missing.
What has been India's response to the situation in Balochistan?
India, particularly through Prime Minister Modi's statements, has expressed support for the Baloch people and highlighted their plight on international platforms.
Why is this issue important?
The situation in Balochistan highlights severe human rights violations and calls for global attention and action to support the oppressed.
