Protest Organisers Say Balochistan Government Has Ordered Elimination of Mahrang Baloch

Karachi: Against the backdrop of the ongoing Baloch mobilisation against human rights abuses and enforced disappearances as well as reports of Pakistani security forces opening fire on protesters in Gwadar, injuring two, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has alleged that its leader, Mahrang Baloch, has been marked as a target for elimination by the authorities.

Support Free & Independent Journalism

Good morning, we need your help!!

Since May 2015, The Wire has been committed to the truth and presenting you with journalism that is fearless, truthful, and independent. Over the years there have been many attempts to throttle our reporting by way of lawsuits, FIRs and other strong arm tactics. It is your support that has kept independent journalism and free press alive in India.

If we raise funds from 2500 readers every month we will be able to pay salaries on time and keep our lights on. What you get is fearless journalism in your corner. It is that simple.

Contributions as little as ₹ 200 a month or ₹ 2500 a year keeps us going. Think of it as a subscription to the truth. We hope you stand with us and support us.

Yes, I want to contribute

According to the BYC, the Gwadar deputy commissioner made a threatening call to Mahrang Baloch, in which he said that he has ordered her and the BYC leadership to be shot.

The Wire is unable to reach the commissioner to confirm this allegation.

The BYC is mobilising people for a ‘Baloch National Gathering’ to be held in Gwadar on July 28. Since the announcement of this gathering, the Balochistan government has started to harass and abduct Baloch activists.

Mahrang Baloch spoke to The Wire, saying: “The military has turned Balochistan into a military zone. Despite repeatedly stating that we are peaceful and will remain peaceful, the government and military do not want Balochs to exercise their democratic rights. Balochs have the right to raise their voice against the Baloch genocide.”

The BYC claims that the deputy commissioner also told Mahrang Baloch that the authorities are waiting to cut off mobile services, having already shut down internet services, before starting a crackdown on Balochs and the BYC’s main leadership.

Hafeez Baloch, activist and member of the Sindh Indigenous Alliance, said that he is currently in Gwadar to attend the Baloch National Gathering. There are unconfirmed reports that the authorities have imposed a curfew on the city.

In the Mastung area, several people were severely injured and two of them are said to be in serious condition.

In many areas in Balochistan, people are not allowed to join public gatherings and the government has blocked several roads to prevent people from getting to Gwadar.

The situation in the province is very tense, with police and ranger forces present everywhere.

Over 200 Baloch activists have been abducted, and security forces have raided houses in Balochistan and Karachi, the capital of Sindh.

Mahrang Baloch stated that the counter-terrorism department is directly involved in abducting Balochs.

“We will never step back as it is our right to fight against Baloch genocide,” she said. She urged human rights organisations, including international ones, to break their silence and support Balochistan.