Brutal State Repression on Peaceful Protesters, 3 Baloch Youths Martyred, Dr. Mah Rang Baloch and Others Missing: Baloch Students Action Committee

Quetta:The spokesperson for the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) strongly condemned the brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, the martyrdom of three Baloch youths by gunfire, and the forced disappearances of Dr. Mah Rang Baloch and several other Baloch activists. In a statement, the spokesperson expressed deep concern over the ongoing forced disappearances of Baloch youth and the violent actions of state forces in Balochistan, calling the situation a violation of international human rights laws.

The BSAC representative stated that the state is currently engaging in a “bloodbath” in Balochistan, as unarmed, peaceful protesters are shot at indiscriminately. The recent killings of three Baloch youths and the mass arrests of demonstrators, followed by their enforced disappearances, are being seen as gross violations of human rights. In the past week alone, hundreds of Baloch youths have fallen victim to forced disappearances, including over eight young members of the Qambarani family.

Additionally, the spokesperson revealed that the state had secretly buried the bodies of over thirteen individuals at Kasi Graveyard in the dead of night without any identification. The families of the missing persons and political activists attempted to raise their voices peacefully, but were met with state repression, including the enforced disappearances of prominent BSAC leaders such as Beebgar Baloch and his brother Dr. Amal, who are still missing. Dr. Ilyas Baloch, the Vice Principal of Bolan Medical College, also became a victim of enforced disappearance.

Human rights activist Saeeda Baloch, along with her sister, was arrested by the state authorities, and the crackdown on peaceful protests intensified in Quetta. On the day of the protests, state forces launched a brutal assault, opening fire on the Baloch protesters, resulting in the martyrdom of three Baloch youths, while over twenty were injured and hundreds were arrested without any information provided regarding their whereabouts. The BSAC, alongside the families of the martyrs, held a sit-in protest at the site of the incident, Saryab Burma Hotel, overnight, demanding justice.

In the early hours of the morning, state forces attacked the peaceful sit-in with armed personnel, dragging the bodies of the martyrs and brutally assaulting the mourners. Several young people were arrested during this operation. Furthermore, Dr. Mah Rang Baloch, a renowned human rights activist, was abducted by state forces after a forced disappearance, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Dr. Mah Rang Baloch has been actively campaigning against human rights violations and the Baloch genocide for several years.

Due to the suspension of internet and mobile networks across Quetta, media coverage of these human rights violations is severely restricted. The BSAC expressed that the state’s use of force cannot suppress the voices of Balochistan; instead, it will only strengthen their resolve and cause their voices to grow louder. The BSAC also called on international human rights organizations, the global community, and oppressed nations to take immediate notice of Dr. Mah Rang Baloch’s enforced disappearance and to work towards ensuring his safety. They urged the world to raise their voices against the ongoing state atrocities in Balochistan.