Baloch Yekjehti Committee Ends Hunger Strike in Jail

SHAAL (QUETTA): The leadership of the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) ended their five-day hunger strike on Monday, following appeals from the families of Baloch missing persons, political prisoners, and senior lawyers.

The hunger strike had been launched to protest the CTD’s assault on BYC female leaders in Jail, the ongoing enforced disappearances and state repression in Balochistan.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, head of the BYC, along with senior members Beebarg Baloch, Beebow Baloch and Shah Ji Baloch had been on hunger strike while incarcerated. Their health had reportedly deteriorated significantly due to the ongoing fast and extreme summer heat, compounded by the physical toll of over a month in detention.

Over the past several days, members of Baloch civil society from various walks of life maintained contact with the BYC leadership, urging them to end the hunger strike. On the fifth day, a delegation comprising families of missing persons, political prisoners, and senior lawyers visited the jail to personally appeal to the jailed leaders.

According to sources, the delegation told the detainees: “Although the state may not care for your lives, we do. For our sake, please end this hunger strike.” The plea resonated with the committee’s leadership.

Despite limitations placed by jail authorities, who only allowed visits from the families and legal representatives of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Shah Ji Baloch and Bebarg Baloch, the meeting proved decisive. Shortly afterward, the BYC leaders agreed to end their hunger strike out of respect for the victims’ families and the legal community advocating for their rights.