Balochistan: Iranian Forces Disappear Baloch Elder for Criticizing Security Measures

DOZZAAP (ZAHEDAN): On Thursday evening, November 28, 2024, Haji Saeed Mohammad Shah Bakhsh, a 59-year-old man from Korin in Zahedan County, was arrested by Iranian military forces. His whereabouts remain unknown.

According to the Baloch Activists Campaign, “Haji Saeed was arrested after performing the Isha prayer and leaving the Makki Mosque in Zahedan. He was then transferred to an unknown location.”

Despite extensive efforts by his family and relatives to inquire at all military and judicial agencies, they have received no information about his detention or fate.

Reports suggest that Haji Saeed’s arrest is likely linked to his outspoken criticism of the Iranian forces’ brutal security measures.

The Baloch Activists Campaign has released an audio message from Haji Saeed, in which he details the inhumane treatment of Baloch people by Iranian forces, including the mistreatment of Baloch women at security checkpoints.

Below are excerpts from the transcript of Haji Saeed Mohammad Shah Bakhsh’s audio message:

Haji Saeed Mohammad Shah Bakhsh:

“In Balochistan, for the past 45 years, there has been constant insecurity, road blockages, destruction, vehicle stoppages, and the subjugation of Baloch women. People are stunned by this situation. From the beginning, they said this president was capable and good, so people voted for him. Then they said, ‘No, this president is so good that he appoints a local governor.’ We were hopeful, thinking that the local governor would bring progress to the region. But then they changed the generals. Since these changes—president, governor, district head, and generals—this region has deteriorated to the point that travelling on the same roads now fills you with disgust. Balochistan has descended into chaos; this war and conflict are not new, they have been ongoing for 45 years. Every time a government agent, smuggler, or militant is killed, it’s the same as it was in the early days of the conflict. But now, the insecurity, fear, and lack of safety have completely consumed the people.”

He continues:

“They have left us with nothing. Just think about it—on one side of the plain, there are landmines, and on the other side, barbed wire. Here in Korin, just five kilometers from the city, we have to pass through checkpoints where they stop cars and open the boxes. What kind of misfortune is this? What have the new president, governor, and generals brought us to? This is our reality.”

Haji Saeed Mohammad Shah Bakhsh:

“People judge by action, not by titles. Even if a Sunni becomes president, the situation won’t change. Fear God. Those of you with voices, it’s time to speak out. Stop this madness. If you have military exercises, let them last two or three days. You waste so much on gas, tanks, and artillery—what are you doing in Balochistan? What does Balochistan have to offer? You don’t care about the farms, the land, or the roads, and you’ve made the region even more unsafe. The insecurity you’ve created will only make things worse. People will start taking sides, which harms both the government and the people.”

He adds:

“My plea is to the tribal elders and those who can speak. Whenever we look to the leaders, the heads of the councils, and others, they don’t have the courage to tell them to pack up their mess. We have no air security, no land security. We suffer from the noise of helicopters and the constant traffic on the roads, where they’ve closed off a five-kilometer stretch, forcing our families to get out of their cars. This is costing us dearly. If you want the insecurity to continue, just keep doing this. Whoever wants to show their power, let them. You’ve left us with nothing. People of God, look at the area near the section connected to Zahedan and Korin. What facilities do we have? We don’t even have a bakery or gas. There are no facilities at all—just officers playing their games. Officers in the mountains, officers on the roads. Come on, take down your checkpoints. If the government really wants to harm the people, it should block everyone’s way and kill them all.”

Haji Saeed Mohammad Shah Bakhsh to Tribal Elders:

“You white-bearded leaders, if you can speak, what is this misery? You’re satisfied with a cup of tea from some Haji and become complacent. What have we come to? Don’t do this. Fear God. These people and this nation have rights. Restore their peace and security.”

As of the time of submitting this report there was no news of Saeed Mohammad’s whereabouts and conditions.