Turbat: Baloch Unity Committee Calls for Collective Resistance Against State Oppression

Turbat:Dr. Mehrang Baloch, the central organizer of the **Baloch Unity Committee**, has called on the Baloch people to unite and take action against the state’s ongoing **genocidal policies**. In her address at a seminar held on Sunday evening at **Shahid Balaach Mola Bakhsh Memorial Square** in **Turbat**, Dr. Mehrang stressed that the state operates with two primary objectives: **looting Baloch resources** and **exterminating the Baloch population**.

She highlighted the **continuous killings** in Balochistan over the past two decades, stating that despite the state’s brutality, the **family of Shaheed Balaach** chose to protest rather than quietly bury his body after it was discarded by the authorities as a **”discarded corpse.”** Dr. Mehrang praised the **Baloch people’s resolve**, pointing out that after Balaach’s martyrdom, the **protests and sit-ins** in **Kech** from **November 23 to December 6, 2023**, demonstrated that the people of **Kech** would not accept such atrocities in silence. She further mentioned the **long march from Turbat to Islamabad** that followed, which marked the growing strength of their resistance movement.

Dr. Mehrang criticized the state’s **continued violence** and **abductions**, stating that **over 200 youth** had gone missing in the last year alone. She emphasized the emotional toll on **every Baloch household**, which now lives in constant fear and sorrow. Despite these atrocities, she condemned the **intellectual class** in **Pakistan**, who continue to demand **brutal military operations** against the Baloch.

Dr. Mehrang made a strong appeal for the Baloch to **overcome their fear** and unite to organize against the **state’s oppressive policies**. She called on them to prepare for the **most significant sacrifices** in order to prevent further genocide. Drawing attention to the **destruction** in areas like **Awaran**, she warned that if the Baloch do not act now, they will face even greater horrors, including the **forced displacement** of communities and the **burning of homes**.

Dr. Mehrang also stated that laws like **Fourth Schedule** and **Section 144** may intimidate people in **Punjab**, but **Balochistan** would not be intimidated by such measures. She stressed that the **Baloch Unity Committee** was committed to strengthening the **Baloch resistance**.

In his speech, **Sibgatullah Shahji**, a central leader of the Baloch Unity Committee, mentioned that **Shaheed Balaach’s martyrdom** had given new momentum to the movement. He noted that despite the state’s attempts to crush this struggle, the people continued to march forward, united in their cause. He emphasized the importance of maintaining unity to counter all **nefarious plots** against the Baloch people.

The seminar also featured a **panel discussion** with prominent Baloch lawyers, including **Mahrab Khan Gachki**, President of the Makkuran High Court Bar, and **Abdul Majeed Shah**, President of the Kech Bar Association. **Mahrab Khan Gachki** pointed out that forced disappearances are a **crime against humanity**, as defined by international law, and that the state’s actions in Balochistan were reminiscent of **the same practices** used in **Bengal** during its struggles for independence. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between **terrorist activities** and legitimate **revolutionary struggles**.

**Abdul Majeed Shah** questioned the effectiveness of the **state’s military operations**, pointing out that **no operation in Balochistan** over the past 70 years had achieved positive results. He criticized the **temporary imposition of Section 144** as an **unconstitutional measure**, rejecting the state’s actions to **suppress free expression and peaceful protest**.

During the seminar, **Abdul Majeed Dashti**, another lawyer and member of the Baloch Unity Committee, suggested that the Committee should also work to **organize Baloch communities abroad** and form a legal team of **Baloch lawyers and intellectuals** who could represent the **Baloch cause in international courts**.

The event concluded with **poetic tributes** from **Mujib Rahim** and **Yunus Baloch**, the brother of **Shaheed Balaach Mola Bakhsh**, who recited **verses of resistance and martyrdom** in honor of their fallen leaders.

The **Baloch Unity Committee** continues to advocate for **the right to self-determination**, **human rights**, and an end to **state violence** against the Baloch people.