Balochistan: BYC Organises “Defence of Baloch Values” Protests

QUETTA: Protests have continued to spread across Balochistan following the launch of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s (BYC) “Defence of Baloch Values” campaign. The movement, sparked by recent crackdowns on Baloch activists, aims to raise awareness about the protection of Baloch cultural and social values while advocating for the restoration of Baloch rights.

In Hub Chowki the BYC organised a rally to condemn the police crackdown on a peaceful protest in Lyari, Karachi. The crackdown resulted in false charges and the arrest of residents who had participated in a rally in Malir, sparking widespread outrage within Baloch communities.

The rally in Hub Chowki saw a large turnout, with protesters taking to the streets to demand accountability for the police’s actions.

During the event, Mahzeb Baloch, the niece of the forcibly disappeared Rashid Hussain, and Balach Baloch from Karachi addressed the crowd, urging the public to participate in the upcoming Raaji Muchi gathering on January 25.

They called for widespread participation in support of the movement, emphasising the importance of unity in the fight for Baloch rights.

In addition, the BYC Chagai Zone organized a rally in Dalbandin under the same campaign. Prominent leaders, including Dr. Sabiha Baloch, participated in the rally, and protesters in Dalbandin echoed calls for the public to join the January 25 event.

The protests are a direct response to the police crackdown in Lyari, Karachi, where multiple male and female activists from the BYC were arrested. In response to these actions, the committee launched the “Defence of Baloch Values” campaign to voice opposition to the ongoing repression of Baloch communities and their right to organize and protest freely.

The BYC Panjgur Zone organised a protest rally under the theme “Defend Baloch Values” to highlight the ongoing Baloch genocide. The rally began at Shuhda Chowk in Panjgur, with women, children, and people from various walks of life participating.

Protesters expressed solidarity for Baloch values and the protection of women, with some women in the rally taking part in wall chalking at various locations to highlight their opposition to the Baloch genocide and to show support for the January 25 event.

The rally also aimed to protest the Lyari incident in Karachi, the violation of Baloch women’s sanctity, unlawful arrests, breaches of privacy, and the systemic genocide of the Baloch people.