NEWS CENTER - Pakistani security forces attacked the "Balochi Long March" against the oppression against Baloch people and injured many people.
Pakistani police and other security forces attacked the "Balochi Long March" drom Wadh district of Kuzdar city to Ketta as part of the protests against enforced disappearances and state oppression in Balochistan province of Pakistan on 21 March. Many people were injured as a result of the attack.
The march from Khuzdar to Ketta, led by Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) for the release of arrested Baloch activists and an end to the oppression of the Baloch people, was stopped due to roadblocks set up by the Pakistani government near the Lakpass Tunnel. Police and security forces intervened with tear gas and live bullets against the protesters who tried to cross the barricade. Many people were injured as a result of the intervention. BNP-M leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal stated that they would hold a sit-in protest until the barricades were removed.
BNP-M also announced a general strike across Balochistan.
SUPPORT FROM BYC
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee-Baloch Solidarity Committee (BYC), on the other hand, reacted to both the arrest of their leaders and the BNP-M's suspension of the march and announced their support for the strike. The statement reads: "The Baloch Yakjehti Committee strongly condemns this blatant use of force against peaceful demonstrators. Such violent tactics reflect the state’s fear of the Baloch people’s collective voice and their legitimate struggle. We urge international human rights organizations, media outlets, and global civil society to take immediate notice of the worsening situation in Balochistan. Silence is complicity."