Is the BYC Leader Right to Sound the Alarm Over Curfews and Civilian Deaths in Balochistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing curfews in Balochistan have lasted over 25 days.
- Numerous civilian casualties, including women and children, have resulted from airstrikes.
- Human rights violations are escalating amid military operations.
- BYC leaders are being imprisoned as part of a broader crackdown.
- Citizens are urged to voice their concerns against the ongoing genocide.
Quetta, Nov 8 (NationPress) The leader of the human rights organization Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), Sabiha Baloch, has raised alarms regarding the dire situation in the Zehri region of Balochistan, where a curfew has been in effect for over 25 days. She noted that numerous women and children have tragically lost their lives due to airstrikes conducted by Pakistani forces.
These comments come in the wake of a growing human rights crisis in Zehri, exacerbated by weeks of military actions that have resulted in numerous casualties.
In a video shared on the BYC's social media, Sabiha emphasized that residents are suffering from starvation and disease.
She pointed out that five individuals were murdered by state-sponsored death squads in the Makran area, as the Pakistani government escalates its campaign of enforced disappearances and targeted assassinations throughout the province.
Sabiha characterized these actions as part of a larger initiative to subdue the Baloch nation and silence dissenting voices. She highlighted the imprisonment of BYC leaders and the inclusion of various members on the Fourth Schedule of Pakistan's Anti–Terrorism Act aimed at quashing their expressions.
She called on the citizens of Pakistan to rise against the ongoing genocide, warning that silence would only allow it to worsen.
This week, the BYC condemned the Pakistani government for listing Baloch political activists and human rights defenders in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The organization denounced this tactic as an effort to forcibly end the Baloch public struggle.
“This action is not only unlawful but also illustrates a perilous trend of suppressing peaceful political discourse, silencing legitimate dissent, and criminalizing advocates for human rights, justice, and political freedoms,” stated the BYC.
“Hundreds of Baloch political and human rights advocates, including BYC members, have been added to the Fourth Schedule without any transparent process, legal evidence, or fair judicial proceedings. More political activists are continually being added to this list,” the statement further noted.