Balochistan: Sit-in Vigil continue against Zehri Abductions and Killing
QUETTA: Protests in Zehri and surrounding areas have escalated in response to the enforced disappearances of 12 individuals and the extrajudicial killing of a young man during recent military offensives in Khuzdar.
The residents of Zahri and relatives of the abducted men have organised multiple protest sit-ins, which have spread to key locations including Zehri town, Zehri Cross Anjira, and Zero Point Surab.
In a show of defiance, protesters from Zahri Cross Anjira embarked on a long march to join the ongoing sit-in at Zero Point Surab. After several hours of walking, they arrived at the site and successfully intensified the protest, leading to a complete blockade of the Quetta-Karachi National Highway (N25).
The protesters have vowed to continue their sit-in until the authorities address their demands for the recovery of the disappeared individuals. “We will not leave until our loved ones are brought back,” the protest organisers said.
The district administration has attempted to engage in talks with the protesters, but discussions have thus far failed to produce any resolution.
In a parallel act of protest, a complete shutter-down strike has been observed in Zehri Bazaar, with local shopkeepers closing their businesses to demonstrate opposition to the military actions and disappearances in Balochistan.
The protests have garnered widespread support, with leaders of the Baloch Yakjeti Committee (BYC) and other political and social organisations visiting the sit-in to show solidarity with the demonstrators.
A large number of citizens, including women, children and the elderly, are participating in the protests despite the harsh winter conditions.
The internet and mobile networks have been deliberately suspended, exacerbating communication difficulties for residents. In addition to the disappearances, sources report that Pakistani forces have conducted multiple raids in the area, detaining several young individuals, including many members of the same family.
