Baloch protesters issue seven-day ultimatum to govt to meet demands

ISLAMABAD: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a key organizer of the ongoing Baloch protest march in Islamabad, has given the Pakistani government a seven-day ultimatum to address their demands related to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.

Dr Mahrang Baloch, a protest leader, outlined the demands at a press conference, emphasizing the need for a UN Working Group-led fact-finding mission, an agreement to eliminate enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, immediate release of all disappearance victims, restrictions on the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and the dismantling of alleged “state-sponsored death squads.”

Press Conference #MarchAgainstBalochGenocide pic.twitter.com/WzkYQihtML

— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (Islamabad) (@BYCislamabad) December 28, 2023

The organizers also called for the Ministry of Interior to acknowledge alleged deaths in fake encounters, issue an acknowledgment letter, and conduct a press conference revealing the names of victims.

Dr Mahrang demanded the withdrawal of fake cases against peaceful protesters. If the government fails to engage sincerely within the stipulated time, the BYC threatened to express disappointment with state institutions, accusing them of genocide policies in Balochistan, and present their case to the Baloch people, leaving the decision in their hands.

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Dr Mahrang criticized the state’s actions, alleging efforts to suppress the Baloch sit-in. She condemned police brutality against protesters and accused some elements within the journalistic community of collaborating with the state to create a false narrative. The BYC emphasized that Balochistan is witnessing increasing state violence, calling on the government to prove its seriousness in ending human rights violations and illegal measures in the region.

The organizers accused the Islamabad police of sabotaging their seminar preparations and shared videos alleging disruption by law enforcement personnel.

Dr Mahrang criticized the government’s contradictory stance of talking about negotiations while resorting to violence, arrests, and abductions against peaceful protesters.